Hydrogeological Investigation and Groundwater Potential Assessment in Haromaya Watershed, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

The paper assesses groundwater quality and productivity in Haromaya watershed, eastern Ethiopia. Continuous pumping test data, collected from seven boreholes was used to determine productivity of the aquifers. 14 water samples were tested for water quality. The aquifers on the basis of permeability, potential and extent of aquifers, are categorized into i) extended and shallow aquifers with intergranular porosity and permeability, and with moderate to high potential (alluvial and lacustrine sediments); ii) limited and shallow aquifers with fracture and/or karstic porosity and permeability, and with moderate potential (sandstone and limestone); and iii) limited and shallow aquifers with intergranular and fracture porosity and permeability, and with low potential (granite).
On the basis of chemical data, the water is fresh except in lacustrine and swampy areas. HCO3-, Ca2+, Na+ and Mg2+ are the dominating ions in water from granite, sandstone and alluvium; and Cl and SO4 dominate in water from lacustrine sediments apart from HCO3-, Ca2+, Na+ and Mg2+. Areas suitable for groundwater development in the area are discussed.