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Development of a hydrogeological conceptual model for shallow aquifers in the data scarce Upper Blue Nile Basin

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  • Walker, D.
  • Parkin, G.
  • Gowing, J.
  • Haile, Alemseged Tamiru

Abstract

Rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa commonly rely on shallow hand-dug wells and springs; consequently, shallow aquifers are an extremely important water source. Increased utilisation of shallow groundwater could help towards achieving multiple sustainable development goals (SDGs) by positively impacting poverty, hunger, and health. However, these shallow aquifers are little studied and poorly understood, partly due to a paucity of existing hydrogeological information in many regions of sub-Saharan Africa. This study develops a hydrogeological conceptual model for Dangila woreda (district) in Northwest Ethiopia, based on extensive field investigations and implementation of a citizen science programme. Geological and water point surveys revealed a thin (3–18 m) weathered volcanic regolith aquifer overlying very low permeability basalt. Hydrochemistry suggested that deep groundwater within fractured and scoriaceous zones of the basalt is not (or is poorly) connected to shallow groundwater. Isotope analysis and well monitoring indicated shallow groundwater flow paths that are not necessarily coincident with surface water flow paths. Characteristics of the prevalent seasonal floodplains are akin to “dambos†that are well-described in literature for Southern Africa. Pumping tests, recharge assessments, and hydrometeorological analysis indicated the regolith aquifer shows potential for increased utilisation. This research is transferrable to the shallow volcanic regolith aquifers that overlie a substantial proportion of Ethiopia and are prevalent throughout the East African Rift and in several areas elsewhere on the continent.

Suggested Citation

  • Walker, D. & Parkin, G. & Gowing, J. & Haile, Alemseged Tamiru, 2019. "Development of a hydrogeological conceptual model for shallow aquifers in the data scarce Upper Blue Nile Basin," Papers published in Journals (Open Access), International Water Management Institute, pages 6(2):1-24..
    • Handle: RePEc:iwt:jounls:h049389
    DOI: 10.3390/hydrology6020043
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Saa Dittoh & Joseph A. Awuni & Margaret A. Akuriba, 2013. "Small pumps and the poor: a field survey in the Upper East Region of Ghana," Water International, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 38(4), pages 449-464, July.
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    4. Paul Pavelic & Karen G. Villholth & Shilp Verma, 2013. "Identifying the barriers and pathways forward for expanding the use of groundwater for irrigation in Sub-Saharan Africa," Water International, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 38(4), pages 363-368, July.
    5. Walker, D. & Parkin, G. & Schmitter, Petra & Gowing, J. & Tilahun, S. A. & Haile, Alemseged T. & Yimam, A. Y., 2019. "Insights from a multi-method recharge estimation comparison study," Papers published in Journals (Open Access), International Water Management Institute, pages 57(2):245-2.
    6. Karen G. Villholth, 2013. "Groundwater irrigation for smallholders in Sub-Saharan Africa - a synthesis of current knowledge to guide sustainable outcomes," Water International, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 38(4), pages 369-391, July.
    7. Pavelic, Paul & Giordano, Mark & Keraita, Bernard & Ramesh, Vidya & Rao, T., 2012. "Groundwater availability and use in Sub-Saharan Africa: a review of 15 countries," IWMI Books, Reports H046186, International Water Management Institute.
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    1. Anik Juli Dwi Astuti & Sofie Annys & Mekete Dessie & Jan Nyssen & Stefaan Dondeyne, 2022. "To What Extent Is Hydrologic Connectivity Taken into Account in Catchment Studies in the Lake Tana Basin, Ethiopia? A Review," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-18, November.
    2. Hassen Shube & Seifu Kebede & Tilahun Azagegn & Dessie Nedaw & Muhammed Haji & Shankar Karuppannan, 2023. "Estimating Groundwater Flow Velocity in Shallow Volcanic Aquifers of the Ethiopian Highlands Using a Geospatial Technique," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-21, October.
    3. Fahad Khan Khadim & Zoi Dokou & Rehenuma Lazin & Amvrossios C. Bagtzoglou & Emmanouil Anagnostou, 2023. "Groundwater Modeling to Assess Climate Change Impacts and Sustainability in the Tana Basin, Upper Blue Nile, Ethiopia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-23, April.

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