Saudi Journal of Engineering and Technology (SJEAT)
Volume-2 | Issue-09 | 324-334
Original Research Article
Sustainability of Groundwater for Domestic Uses in Rural Communities of Kogi State, Nigeria
B. F. Sule, S. E. Ayenigba
Published : Sept. 30, 2017
Abstract
Groundwater is a natural resource that is of immense importance to life
and its characteristics are greatly determined by the properties of the immediate
geologic formations. Generally, the development of groundwater resource involves
three main stages: exploration, evaluation and exploitation. This study focuses on the
evaluation stage, which generally encompasses measurement of hydrologic
parameters, and estimation of aquifer yield. The analysis of pumping test data
collected for 17 wells spread across Kogi state was used to determine the hydraulic
parameters of the aquifers within the study area. Transmissivity values ranged from
0.751 – 8.92 m2/day, hydraulic conductivity ranged from 0.0867–1.33 m/day,
pumping rates ranged from 1.13 – 8 l/s, while the borehole depths ranged from 11.3 –
202 m. Groundwater maps of the hydraulic parameters were also developed for the
study area. These results show that the aquifers within the study area can provide
between 5000 to 40,000 litres of water per day. The aquifers can therefore serve as
sustainable and dependable sources of water all year round with sufficient water to
meet the domestic needs in many small rural communities of Kogi state.