Low-cost, in-situ groundwater monitoring methodology for data-scarce regions

Abstract. Groundwater is a vital resource for millions of people, especially in arid and semi-arid regions where surface water is scarce. Effective management of this resource requires accurate monitoring of groundwater levels. However, traditional monitoring methods are often costly and technically demanding, posing challenges in data-scarce regions. This study presents a low-cost, in-situ groundwater monitoring methodology tailored to northern Nigeria's Hadejia-Jama'are River Basin (HJRB). The methodology involves community engagement and the use of simple, affordable tools to collect reliable groundwater-level data. Over one-year, weekly measurements were taken from 42 shallow wells across the basin, capturing seasonal and spatial variations. Statistical analysis of the data reveals a significant degree of variability in groundwater levels, as reflected in standard deviations (SDs) ranging from 5.27 to 5.69 across the months of 2023. This variability is influenced by seasonal shifts, geographical differences in recharge rates, and the groundwater abstraction activities. Areas of higher SD highlight regions with more dynamic water table conditions, which could complicate water resource management and necessitate localized management strategies. This in-situ data are intended for future validation of remote sensing-based groundwater models, aiming to enhance the accuracy of large-scale groundwater monitoring. The study demonstrated the significance of integrating low-cost monitoring techniques with advanced technologies to improve water resource management in data-scarce regions. Understanding the variability in groundwater levels, as indicated by the SDs, will allow for more accurate calibration of remote sensing models and better resource allocation. Recommendations for future research include refining the methodology, expanding its application to other regions, and sustaining community engagement to ensure long-term success.