Abstract:
The need for effective and efficient monitoring, evaluation and control of water quality in Lake
Victoria Basin (LVB) has become more demanding in this era of urbanization, population growth
and climate change and variability. Traditional methods that rely on collecting water samples,
testing and analyses in water laboratories are not only costly but also lack capability for real-time
data capture, analyses and fast dissemination of information to relevant stakeholders for making
timely and informed decisions. In this paper, a Water Sensor Network (WSN) system prototype
developed for water quality monitoring in LVB is presented. The development was preceded by
evaluation of prevailing environment including availability of cellular network coverage at the
site of operation. The system consists of an Arduino microcontroller, water quality sensors, and a
wireless network connection module. It detects water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and
electrical conductivity in real-time and disseminates the information in graphical and tabular
formats to relevant stakeholders through a web-based portal and mobile phone platforms. The
experimental results show that the system has great prospect and can be used to operate in real
world environment for optimum control and protection of water resources by providing key actors
with relevant and timely information to facilitate quick action taking.
