Knowledge Base Intelligent System of Optimal Locations for Safe Water Wells

摘要

The union of expert systems with the advanced technology elements is constantly giving us more developed and improved values or results, and indeed exact results with some human decision-making practices. As a consequence, this area of study is continuing to be the center of interest. In this paper an expert system using VP-Expert was designed to help improve the siting of water wells. The paper explains major factors to consider before siting water wells in Africa. According to World Health Organization about 900 million of the world population do not have access to sustainable safe drinking water, 84% of this estimated population dwell in rural areas. In fact, Africa has the lowest potable water coverage when compared to other continents of the world. In this paper a system was developed to identify optimal locations to site water wells. The procedure of the knowledge acquisition in the design of this system was done through interviewing geology experts, text books, journals and various related sources, and the knowledge base intelligent was represented in the rule-based procedure. These rules identify the quantity and quality of water that a targeted location is capable of producing. VP-Expert software was used for the design of the system and the system was validated by geologists from the Kaduna State Government of Nigeria. The developed system can be used effectively by governments, non- governmental organizations and individuals to improve the supply of safe drinking water.