Sustainable groundwater development in Nigeria

ABSTRACT: Developing groundwater is generally an excellent option for sustainable water supplies in Nigeria, despite some challenges. However, to achieve a sustainable supply, planning is required which needs hydrological and hydrogeological data as well information on water demand and general socioeconomic conditions. Data requirements include: the quantity of water required per year, intended rate of abstraction, the use of water and the amount of money available; detailed geology of area – type, extent, structure and variability of rocks, aquifer properties; rainfall & surface water sources; the cost of drilling, pumps and other materials; and potential incomes from water sales. Development of groundwater resources involves a sequential process with three phases: exploration, evaluation and exploitation. Often, groundwater supply projects concentrate on exploitation to the neglect of the evaluation phase. Groundwater supply projects can fail if this sequential development process is not followed. Adequate data cannot be available for meaningful planning if no proper evaluation is carried out before exploitation. Equally, to ensure sustainability there is need for periodic re-evaluation of demand, performance and changes in hydrological and hydrogeological conditions. The paper examines groundwater resources development and water supply programmes in Nigeria with emphasis on technical and social constraints to achieving sustainable groundwater development.

Num Pages: 12