
One is to provide a detailed survey of recent work carried out in the area of smart water quality monitoring in terms of application, communication technology used, types of sensors employed etc. Also, the monitoring system provides real time analysis of data collected and suggest suitable remedial measures.

Main objectives of online water quality monitoring include measurement of critical water quality parameters such as microbial, physical and chemical properties, to identify deviations in parameters and provide early warning identification of hazards. Water quality monitoring is defined as the collection of information at set locations and at regular intervals in order to provide data which may be used to define current conditions, establish trends, etc. All the above factors make water quality monitoring essential. Raising the temperature of the water lowers the level of dissolved oxygen and upsets the balance of life in the water (Central Ground Water Board, 2017). Factories use water from rivers to power machinery or to cool down machinery. Chemical factories also dispose wastes in the water. Such contaminations enter the food chain and accumulate until they reach toxic levels, eventually killing birds, fish and mammals. Industrial waste products are also washed into rivers and lakes. Fertilizers and pesticides used by farmers can be washed through the soil by rain, to end up in rivers. Around 5 million people die due to waterborne diseases around the world (Water Resource Information System of India, 2017). Poor water quality spreads disease, causes death and hampers socio-economic progress. The need for user involvement in maintaining water quality and looking at other aspects like hygiene, environment sanitation, storage and disposal are critical elements to maintain the quality of water resources. Other sources of water contamination include floods and droughts and due to lack of awareness and education among users.

Water quality is affected by both point and non-point sources of pollution, which include sewage discharge, discharge from industries, run-off from agricultural fields and urban run-off. Individual practices also play an important role in determining the quality of water (Central Ground Water Board, 2017). The problem is sometimes aggravated due to the non-uniform distribution of rainfall. The rapid pace of industrialization and greater emphasis on agricultural growth combined with latest advancements, agricultural fertilizers and non-enforcement of laws have led to water pollution to a large extent. The main causes for water quality problems are over-exploitation of natural resources. Ensuring the safety of water is a challenge due the excessive sources of pollutants, most of which are man-made.
