Evaluation of Groundwater Quality and Availability in Abeokuta, Ogun State

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction

Water is one of the most essential natural resources for human survival and development. It plays a critical role in agriculture, industry, and domestic life. However, rapid urbanization, population growth, and industrial activities have placed increasing pressure on available water resources, particularly groundwater. In many Nigerian cities, surface water sources are often polluted, making groundwater the primary source of drinking water (Ogunleye, 2021). Consequently, the quality and availability of groundwater are of great concern for public health and sustainable development.

Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, depends heavily on groundwater for domestic and industrial use. As the population continues to grow, water demand has increased significantly. Many households rely on boreholes and hand-dug wells due to irregular public water supply. However, the indiscriminate sinking of wells, poor sanitation, and unregulated waste disposal threaten groundwater quality in the area. This study evaluates the quality and availability of groundwater in Abeokuta to assess its suitability for human consumption and other uses.

1.1 Background to the Study

Groundwater forms an important component of the hydrological cycle. It serves as a reliable and sustainable source of water, especially during dry seasons when surface water becomes scarce. However, groundwater quality depends on geological formations, recharge processes, and human activities in the surrounding environment. Contamination may result from agricultural runoff, septic tank leakages, or industrial effluents, leading to serious health risks such as waterborne diseases (Adeleke & Yusuf, 2019).

In Abeokuta, urban expansion has increased the risk of groundwater pollution. Areas such as Lafenwa, Obantoko, and Ibara experience growing pressure from residential, commercial, and industrial activities. Furthermore, poor waste management practices allow contaminants to seep into aquifers, altering the chemical composition of the water. Despite its importance, limited studies have assessed both the quality and availability of groundwater in Abeokuta.

Evaluating groundwater quality is therefore essential to ensure that the water meets World Health Organization (WHO) standards for safe drinking. In addition, assessing its availability helps determine sustainability for future use, particularly in light of rising urban water demand.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The increasing population of Abeokuta has resulted in higher water consumption, leading to over-reliance on groundwater sources. Unfortunately, many residents drill boreholes without professional guidance or hydrogeological surveys. Consequently, some boreholes are shallow and vulnerable to contamination from surface pollutants. Additionally, improper waste disposal and poor sanitation facilities further degrade water quality.

Although the Ogun State Water Corporation provides treated water, its coverage is limited. As a result, most households depend on private boreholes, wells, and sachet water, the quality of which is often uncertain. Therefore, there is a growing need to evaluate both the quality and availability of groundwater in Abeokuta to determine whether it is safe and sustainable for continued use.

1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study

The main aim of this study is to evaluate the groundwater quality and availability in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Assess the physicochemical properties of groundwater in selected areas of Abeokuta.

2. Compare the quality of groundwater with WHO drinking water standards.

3. Examine the availability and accessibility of groundwater resources.

4. Provide recommendations for sustainable groundwater management.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What are the physicochemical characteristics of groundwater in Abeokuta?

2. How does groundwater quality compare with WHO standards?

3. Is groundwater in Abeokuta sufficient to meet the city’s growing demand?

4. What strategies can improve groundwater sustainability and quality management?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it provides scientific data on the state of groundwater resources in Abeokuta. The findings will guide government agencies, environmental managers, and urban planners in developing strategies for sustainable water management. Furthermore, the research helps identify contamination sources, enabling communities to take preventive actions to protect their groundwater.

In addition, the study contributes to academic knowledge by providing a baseline for future hydrogeological and environmental studies in Ogun State. It supports the broader goal of achieving clean water and sanitation as outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6. Therefore, the outcomes of this research will be useful for both policymakers and researchers seeking to enhance water security in Nigeria.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on selected areas within Abeokuta metropolis, including Lafenwa, Obantoko, and Ibara. It examines groundwater samples to determine their physicochemical characteristics such as pH, turbidity, hardness, and nitrate levels. The temporal scope covers 2010 to 2024, allowing for an assessment of both current and historical data on water quality and availability. However, the study does not include microbiological testing or groundwater recharge modeling due to resource limitations.

1.7 Definition of Key Terms

• Groundwater: Water found beneath the Earth’s surface within soil pores and rock fractures.

• Water Quality: The chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of water that determine its suitability for a particular purpose.

• Aquifer: A permeable rock layer capable of storing and transmitting groundwater.

• Physicochemical Properties: Measurable characteristics such as pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen that describe water quality.

• Water Availability: The amount of groundwater accessible for human, agricultural, and industrial use.

References

Adeleke, T. O., & Yusuf, M. S. (2019). Assessment of groundwater contamination in urban areas of southwestern Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Environmental Science, 14(3), 67–83.
Ogunleye, R. B. (2021). Groundwater quality and management challenges in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Journal of Water Resources and Environmental Studies, 19(2), 91–108.
Salisu, K. O., & Dada, F. L. (2023). Urbanization and groundwater depletion in southwestern Nigeria. African Journal of Geosciences, 27(1), 52–70.