Assessment of Impact of Accumulated Potential Water Loss (APWL) on Water Availability in Ijebu-Ode Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Understanding accumulated potential water loss (APWL) is crucial because it provides information about the total amount of water that could potentially be lost from a location over a specific time period. The primary goal is to assess the possible effects of climatic and hydrological dryness on Ijebu-Ode's water supply. Climate Data was sourced from Nigerian Meteorological Station (NIMET) Ijebu-Ode station (1989 - 2018) via national portal. The soil moisture storage in Ijebu-Ode was calculated over a period of many months using the Thornthwaite water balance model and the Climatic Water Budgeting Approach. The monthly soil moisture storage is determined using the Climatic Water Budgeting Approach by combining the mean monthly rainfall, the monthly potential evaporation (PE), and a soil water retention capacity of 250 mm. The PE is calculated using the average monthly air temperature data. A meteorological drought that spreads through the hydrological cycle is seen in Ijebu-Ode during the APWL months when the PET>P. This can lead to a decrease in surface and groundwater, causing a hydrological drought in eight months (Nov-May and August) and worsen availability of water. The results of this study shed light on water availability, hydrological studies, and water resource management in Ijebu-Ode. The study recommends the implementation of proactive measures and improved water resource management strategies to effectively address abnormal moisture deficiencies during the APWL months and improve water conservation in Ijebu-Ode. Seasonal variation in soil water storage is recognized as a natural phenomenon in Ijebu-Ode.