Underground Water Harvesting and Groundwater Source Protection Advancing Sustainable Water Security in Nigeria's Riverine Communities.

ABSTRACTGroundwater remains one of the most important sources of potable water across the Niger Delta andmany riverine communities in Nigeria. However, increasing pressure from urbanization, inadequatesanitation infrastructure, environmental pollution, and climate-related challenges is raising concernsregarding the long-term sustainability and quality of groundwater resources. This paper explores the roleof underground water harvesting, groundwater recharge protection, and integrated source managementas critical components of sustainable water resource development, with particular attention to theimpacts of crude oil pollution, open defecation, poor wastewater management practices, and thewidespread use of conventional septic tank and soakaway systems in areas characterized by highgroundwater tables. Drawing on observations from communities across the Niger Delta, the paper arguesthat sustainable water security cannot be achieved through borehole drilling alone.