Evaluation of aquifer hydraulic properties from resistivity and pumping test data in parts of Gwagwalada, Northcentral Nigeria

Population upsurge in Gwagwalada increased water demand in the area, thereby stressing water resources in the area. Aquifer properties in parts of Gwagwalada in North-Central Nigeria were therefore investigated using resistivity and hydrogeological approaches. Static water level measurements of hand dug wells were used to determine the groundwater flow direction for the area which coincides with the North East-South West joint direction. Constant rate pumping test was adopted for the research and 10 boreholes were pumped. The weathered/fractured basement range from 7.5 m to 56.7 m. The transmissivity values in the area ranged from 0.35 m²/d to 3.63 m²/d while the hydraulic conductivity range from 0.045 m/d to 0.18 m/d. The Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) were carried out on the area. The geoelectric sections revealed four to five layers and the longitudinal conductance varied from 0.11 Ω⁻¹ to 0.37 Ω⁻¹. The results of the investigation characterized the groundwater potential in the study area into low and moderate while the aquifer protective capacity into weak and moderate zones. The efficacy of resistivity and pumping test data in quantifying aquifer properties has been established in this study. The findings of this study shed light on the properties of ground water and aquifer protective capacity in the area, hence assist in the effective future groundwater resources exploitation.