Evaluation of Potentials and Utilization of Ground Water in North-Eastern Sub

International Journal of Advanced Scientific and Technical Research Issue 3 volume 5,Sep.- Oct.
2013
Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijst/index.html ISSN 2249-9954
IN-DEPTH EVALUATION OF POTENTIALS AND UTILIZATION OF

GROUND WATER IN NORTH-EASTERN SUB-REGION OF NIGERIA
B.G. Umara1, Sangodoyin2 A. Y., and J. M. Dibal1

1
Department of Agricultural and Environmental Resources Engineering, Faculty of
Engineering, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri. Borno State Nigeria
2
Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
The continuous decline in the hydraulic heads of Aquifers in the Sub-Sahelian Region of
Nigeria coupled with low rainfall and the increasing water demand especially in the
urban centers and low potentials of the existing supply sources is a matter of great
concern to the teaming population growth of both human and livestock Appendix. The
present estimated total water requirements amount to about, 1.20 ×106m3 while the
current estimated potentials of the supply sources in the study area is only 32 ×106m3
This obviously turns the balance sheet to the Negative side or Marks a deficit. The
Projected demand for the year 2000 and 2020 amounts to 1.42 ×106m3 and 364 ×106m3
respectively. The quality of groundwater in the region is generally good excepting the
aquifers which contains unacceptable quantities of iron and Manganese. However, due to
improper well construction, citing of wells and disposal of waste just to mention a few
among others caused the quality somehow unacceptable in some areas. This was
confirmed by large increases in Ca, Na+, CL, No3, P 1 and CaCO3 concentrations in some
of the wells monitored. It is apparent from the foregoing that some form of treatment is
essential before distribution. The study identified the problems of Water Supply in the
region and suggested ways of improving both the quality and quantity.
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International Journal of Advanced Scientific and Technical Research Issue 3 volume 5,Sep.- Oct. 2013
INTRODUCTION
The North Eastern sub-sahelian region of Nigeria is characterized with high temperatures,
low rainfalls, among others, ground water therefore assume the status of the most reliable
source of potable water particularly in the dry seasons [1]. Most ground waters are
products of precipitation that percolated through porous soil layers and/or rivers (Shaw
1988).
Water, where it is available in abundance is taken for granted and plans of its
sustainability is seldom a subject of discussion. However, in North-Eastern sub-sahelian
region Nigeria the subject of water scarcity and its solution has gained attention of the
government at all levels. This is demonstrated by the government of Borno State that
allocated two hundred and nine million naira (N209, 000, 000) to the establishment and
maintenance of water supply in 1993. Such allocations were raised thereafter, but the
judicious use of the funds suffered criticism. High level of water scarcity therefore
persists. Ground water is comparatively free of pathogenic bacteria, and is usually
abstracted via boreholes, tube wells, and springs among others.
In Borno State that has population of about 2.6 million [2] water is a scarce commodity
and is undermining the industrial, economic, agricultural, and socio-cultural development
in the state. The scene of large crowd in early hour of everyday at the point of water
supply is very common. Water hawking turned to be one the means of making the ends
meet. The zenith of this scenario is usually experienced in the dry seasons.

This study therefore aims at identifying the problems, and suggesting potential ways of
improving the water supply (Ground water distribution) in terms of quantity and quality
in Borno state.
Materials and Methods
Site Description
Borno State is perhaps the largest State in Nigeria in terms of land mass with a total area
of about 76,100 km2 and is located in the Northeastern corner of Nigeria bordering Chad,
Niger and Carneroon republic. Over 70% of the total populations live in the rural areas.
The climate is semi-arid by a distinct long dry and short wet season with mean annual
rainfall of about 250-508mm in the northern part and 800-1, 200mm in the South. The
daily temperature ranges from 28-40°C. The State is underlain by four principal
geological units i.e. the Basement Complex, Sedimentary (Chad) formation, the Biu
Plateau Volcanoes and river alluvial deposits. In fact, most of the land mass is within the
Chad formation.
Field Survey
Several field trips were made within the study area and the sanitary conditions,
performances, operations and maintenance procedures of boreholes were physically
monitored. The number and distribution of groundwater supply sources and distribution
were also examined. Water samples from wells and boreholes were to laboratory for
quality analysis. Some information regarding water supply were obtained from academic
literatures.

Water Demand Estimate (1997 and 2007)
Domestic water consumption estimates was categorized into Rural Water Consumption
and Urban Water Consumption based on the forty seven (47) liters per head per day, and
the urban water consumption estimates for domestic purpose was based on the level of
urbanization. The decade estimate for the urban water demand was based on an average
of 88 liters per head [3]. The industrial, Livestock and irrigation, estimates was based on
10 % increment recorded for 1982.
Projection of Water Demand Estimates: Year 2000 And 2020
The domestic consumption estimates for the year 2000 and 2020 were obtained from
JICA [3] while the industrial, livestock and irrigation water demand estimates were based
on fifteen (15) and Forty percent increment recorded for that of 1982 for the Year 2000
and 2020 respectively.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Operation and Maintenance of Water Supply Schemes in Borno State
Water distribution systems are generally made up of underground pipes of different
materials, stand, pipes, and taps. Most of the functioning boreholes in the study area have
a generator, while some are connected up with an over head tank. However, considerable
numbers of boreholes especially within the Chad formation flow freely under pressure.
Each borehole has a number of 2 to 3 operators working on shift basis. A number of
skilled personnel are usually present to handle any technical problem to ensure

uninterrupted water supply. Hand dug wells are mostly maintained by the community and
by local governments authorities for the same reason
Analysis of Water Demands and Availability
The domestic water demand for 1997 and 2007 was computed to be 87.8 million M3/ year
(Table 1). Only 22% of this amount is required by the rural population. The Table shows
30.62 million m3 to be the estimated water demand for industrial, irrigation, and livestock
for the year 1997, of this, amount only 9.1 % is required for industrial use. The potential
production of water from boreholes and hand dug well for urban and rural dwellings
(Table 2 and 3). A potential water production of about 32 x 106 m3 per year was
computed, which is far below the requirement. This could account for the low level of
agricultural and industrial development in this region. It was observed that only about 27
and 32 % were supplied for general purposes per year in 1997 and 2007 respectively.
The product moment correlation analysis of the water demand and supply for 1997
indicates poor correlation since a value of only 0.21 was obtained which is far below an
average correlation of 0.5.

Table 1: Water Demand Estimate for the Year 1997 (Domestic Use)
Rural demand Urban demand

Local Govt Population MLD LCD Population MLD LCD
Area (x 1000) x 1000
Askira-uba 117.9 5.54 47 51.5 3.9 7.7
Bama 103.3 4.85 47 105 9.4 90
Biu and Kwaya- 115 5.0 47 117 11.1 95
kusar 1033 „ 4.8 47 455 3.5 77
Darnboa 38.2 L79 47 39 19 76
Dikwa 119.5 5.62 47 .2 4.0 77
Gwoza 44.5 209 47 68 5.2 7.6
Kaga and maguen 92.2 4 .33 47 94 8.9 95
Kolifiduga and 636 199 47 97 7.4 76
Mafa 0.0 0. 00 47 677.3 107.0 158
Kukawaand 80 3.76 47 81 .6 7.3 90
Nganzai 53 2.49 47 80.6 6.1 76
Maiduguri 69.7 3.27 47 67.9 6.1 90
Mobbar and Gubio 6.66 .47 59.8 46.0 77
Monguno and Marte
Ngala
Shani arid Hawul
Total 1142.4 53.19 1,625.4 187.4

Table 2: Daily Water Estimates for Industrial Irrigation and Livestock in North
Eastern Sub-saharan region of Nigeria (Borno 1997)
Zonation ** Water use in cubic meters per day

* Industrial use Irrigation and Total used
Livestock
Askira Uba 400 5960 63
Bama 500 6900 7,400
Biu 600 7,200 13.00
Damboa 380 5800 96.00
Gwoza 320 5640 5.960
Kaga 600 6600 7.200
Kondoga 520 6960 7480
Kukawa 400 8000 8400
Maiduguri 3000 8400 %11400
Mongono 600 7600 8200
Ngala 320 7200 7520
Total 764.0 or7.64 MLD 76260 or 76.26 83900 or 83.9 ML)

MLD
Analysis of the Projected water Demands
The general purposes water demand for the year 2000 stands at 142 x106 m3 per year. Of
this total projected demand, 68 %, 29%, 3% go to the domestic irrigation aid livestock
and industrial requirements respectively. Similarly, 364 x 106 m3 per year was projected
as the water demand for Borno state in the 2020 representing a 250 % increase over the
2000 water demand projection.
This is expected to answer water demend questions that may arise from urbanization.

Quality Analysis of Ground Water in North- Eastern & Sub-Eastern Region
With exception of the lower aquifers that contain unacceptable quantities of iron and
manganese, the groundwater in the North-Easter sub-sahelian region was generally found
to be good. In some certain areas, however, poor construction, incorrect citing of wells,
unhygienic waste disposal, among others, placed some ground water in the „unacceptable
limit‟ relative to the International Water Quality Guidelines [4] and the Suggested
Northern Nigeria Ministry of Health Standards for Drinking Water [5]
Table 3: Projected Total Water Demand for the Year 2000 in North - Eastern Sub-
Sahelian Region of Nigeria (Borno State)
DEMAND(MLD)
POPULATION IRRIGATION
LOCAL GOVT. Xl.000 DOMESTIC INDUSTRIAL & LIVESTOCK
AREA
Askira-Uba 176 10.37 0.6 8.94 19.91
Bama 216 16.01 0.75 10.35 27.11
Dikwa 80 5.9 5.9
Biu&Kwaya 240 18.02 1802
Kusar
Shani& 212 12.52 0.9 10.8 11..07
Hawul 12.52
Damboa 156 9.14 057 8.7 18.41
Gwoza 176 10.55 0.48 8.46 19.49
Kaga &
Magumeri 117 7.53 0.9 9.9 18.33
Konduga & Mafa 196 14,33 0.78 10.4 25.51
Kukawa, 167 10.83 10.83
Nganzai 168 12.39 0.6 12.0 24.99
Mobbar & Gubio 138 8.97 0.9 11.4 21.27
Monguno&Marte 140 10.22 0.48 10.8 21.50
Ngala 698 116.5 4.8 12.6 133.9
Maiduguri
Total 2883 *263.28 11.76 *114.3 *389.4
Percent 67.6 3 29.3 100

Table 4: Projected Total Water Requirement for the Year 2020 in North - Eastern
Sub-Sahelian Region of Nigeria (Borno).
DEMAND(MLD)
POPULATION IRRIGATION
LOCAL GOVT. Xl.000 DOMESTIC INDUSTRIAL & LIVESTOCK
AREA
Askira-Uba 267 26.98 1.60 23-84 52.42
Bama 328 42.02 2.00 27.60 71.62
Dikwa 122 15.55 15.55
Biu & Kwaya Kusar 366 46.0 2.40 28.80 77.20
Shani& Hawul 312 32.5 32.50
Damboa, 236 23.79 1.52 23.20 48.51
Gwoza 271 27.37 1.28 22.56 51.21
Kaga & Magumeri 177 20.35 2.4 26.40 49.15
Konduga & Mafa 292 37.51 2.08 27.84 67.43
Kukawa, Nganzai 252 28.98 1.60 32.00 62.58
Mobbar & Gubio 254 32.56 32.56
Maiduguri 1058 278.3 12.0 33.60 323.9
Monguno&Marte 210 24.23 2.40 30.40 57.03
Ngala 212 27.18 1.28 28.80 57.26
Total 4367 *663.12 **30.56 *305.04 998.72
Percent 66.4 3.6 30.54 100
* Domestic Consumption Source JICA (1995)
Industrial, Irrigation & Livestock Estimated at 40 times that of 1982 Adapted from John
& Adeniji [6].

Table 5: A Mean Concentration of elements from analysis of Water Samples in
North-eastern Sub-Sahelian Region of Nigeria.
Parameter* Sample from the Boreholes Mean

1 2 3 4 5
PH 6.5 6.7 7.6 7.3 6.8 6.9
** Conductivity 245 982 80 ND ND 435.6
K 40.8 14.5 18.5 ND 5.2 19.75
CL 11.4 87.4 18.5 5.5 15 18.86
Ca 3.8 20.8 2.1 41.0 52 23.94
Mg 2.4 11.3 1.3 30.0 5.0 10.0
Fe 0.9 0.3 1.0 0.2 1.6 0.8
Na 32 176 33 34.0 16.2 58.24
Mu 0.16 2.0 0.1 ND 0.2 0.61
No3 0.1 6.0 ND tr 0.5 2.2
Sulphate ND 97.0 ND tr Nil 48.2
Suspended Solids 25 ND 176 ND ND 25
Dissolved Solids 302 212 167 340 182 242.4
Hardness 10.7 102.0 25 192 ND 117.9
S.A.R 10 44 6 3 17.6
* All values in Mg/i except PH and Conductivity.
** In Micrornhos/cm
ND - Not Detected
tr - Traced.

Table 6: Physico-Chemical Analysis of Water Samples from Native hand dug Wells
Parameter* Samples from Native Wells

Mean. 1 2 3 4
Colour (Platinium Cobalt 20 150 91 535 178.5
Standard)
Conductivity Mmhos/cm 380 250 600 140 342.5
Turbidity (NTU) 50 87.5 88 27 260
pH 6.6 6.52 9.1 7.2 7.3
Sulphate 13.5 11.5 130 100 63.7
Iron 1.8 0.5 1.5 0.5 1.1
Manganese 0.6 ND 0.61 ND 1.21
Chloride 9:5 88.5 94 10 50.5
Nitrate NO3 0.002 0.8 28 3.2 6.2
Calcium 53 88.0 63 45.0 62
Na 21 70 56 21 38.5
Mg 17.0 38 27 ND 27.3
Suspended Solid 540 430 140 .520 407.5
Hardness 25.9 66.0 303 75 117.4
NH3 0.41 0.39 0.5 0.5 0.45
Flouride 1.02 0.55 1.8 1.55 1.23
S.A.R 4 9 8 7
All values in Mg/I except pH „or otherwise stated.
4.4 Hydraulic Properties of the Aquifers
Inventory of abstraction from some of the notable Aquifers in the study area are shown in
Table 7, the lower aquifers have more potentials than the upper aquifers. Yield of up to
35 l/s was recorded for the lower Aquifers. In contrast yield ranging from 0-15 l/s to 12
l/s were recorded from both the upper and middle aquifers. Using the recovery test data,

the transmissivity of both the lower and upper aquifers were determined to be 80.38 2/day
and 31.78m2/day respectively.
Table 7: Inventory of Abstraction from Some Lower Aquifers in the Sub-Sahelian
Region
Location Discharge Daily 105x m3

L/S Discharge M3/day Annual
Discharge
Gwange 12 1036.8 378
Molai 5 433 1.58
Mairi Village 8 691.2 2.52
Ngarannam 8 691.2 2.52
Mafa 4 345.6 1.62
Dikwa 15 1296 4.73
Lake Chad Res. Maid. 15 1296 4.73
Dalori 15 1296 4.73
Njimtilo 17 1468.8 5.36
Logomane 14 1209.6 4.42
Kawuri 12 1036 3.78
Maid. Bulumkutu 6 518.4 1.89
Monguno 23 1987.2 5.68
Damboa 7 604 2.21
Biu .7 604 2.21
Gwoza 5 144 1.33
Kukawa 30 2592 9.46
CBDA MAID. 35 3024 11.03
New Marte 3.75 324 1.18
Monguno 25 2160 7.88
Baga 27 2332 8.51
Ngollom 30 2592 9.46
Source: Federal Ministry of Water Resources Maiduguri 1995 Bulletin.

PROBLEMS OF WATER SUPPLY
The following were identified as some of the abnormalities as a function of water supply
in the state:
1. A lot of boreholes were found to have zero yield on account of inadequate
hydrogeological and engineering investigations of the aquifers. This may be as a
result of unqualified personnel;
2. Irregular power supply from the national grid and unskillful handling of
generators had culminated to unsteady supply of water at varied qualities;
3. Improper citing and construction of wells i.e. poor lining and citing wells close to
pollution sources;
4. Pollution effect due to animal and domestic waste, and lack of appropriate sewage
or solid waste disposals and drainage thereby adversely affecting the quality of
water;
5. Nonchalant attitudes of consumers at water supply sites;
6. Irregular maintenance of boreholes and water supply pipes;
7. Inconsistent and meager allocation of fund to water supply sector by the
authorities;
8. Non involvement of the end users, the operators and the beneficiaries of the water
resources projects in the planning, citing, construction, and maintenance of water
supply system.

Possible ways of Improving Water Supply in North-Eastern Sub-Sahelian Region
In view of the aforementioned problems, the following are suggested remedial measures
that are hoped to address problem militating against water supply in Borno state .
1. The development of a Mathematical model of the three major aquifers of‟ the
Chad formation should be considered for optimum and orderly development of
the groundwater resources on a State via prediction of interactive effects of soil,
climatic and human concerned with establishment and maintenance of water
supply, in the Borno state..
2. All technical, hygienic, and social factors should be considered in construction
and maintenance of new boreholes and wells.
3. Quality analysis of ground water should be conducted on routine basis.
4. Qualified personnel must be provided for all purposes of water supply.
5. In replacing burnt pumps, a pump that would yield water proportionate to the
design yield should be installed. The practices of installing pumps that deliver
water greater than the design yield or lower than has to be stop.
6. Installation and use of hand pumps.
7. Attaching tariffs to water will help in enforcing laws regulating water use and
misuse.

CONCLUSIONS
The continuous decline in the hydraulic heads of Aquifers in the Sub-Sahelian region of
Nigeria coupled with low rainfall and the increasing water demand especially in the
urban centers and low potentials of the existing supply sources is a matter of great
concern to the teaming population growth of both human and livestock. Furthermore,
Industrial and Agricultural activities were hampered in one way or the other; as such the
situation should not be allowed to remain unchanged. The present total water demand
amount to 120 x 106 m3 while the current potentials of the supply sources in the study
area is only 32 x 106 m3 which is far below the requirement. The projected demands
increases in somehow arithmetical ratio, couple with the anticipated greater increase in
population, industrialization, urbanization and so on. The projected demands for the year
2000 and 2020 amounts to 142 x106 m3 and 364 x106 m3 respectively. The quality of
groundwater is somehow polluted due to improper well construction, citing and improper
waste disposal. The study therefore, identified the problems of water supply and
suggested possible ways of improving both quality and quantity so as to meet the demand
in the North Eastern Sub-Sahelian region of Nigeria. Since the stale depends largely on
groundwater, there is the need to encourage surface water supply to supplement the
exhaustion of the Aquifers.
REFERENCES
Adeniji, E.A (1997): Water Resources Management for Drought, Desertification and
Deforestation control in Yobe State. An invited paper presented at the World
Bank-FEPA state Environmental Action Plan (SEAP) Project Workshop for Yobe
State at Damaturu, 2p

PRB (2002). Population Reference Bureau. World Population Data Sheet. USA WWW.
Prb. Org.
JICA (1995). National Water Supply Report Vol. 3 Submitted to the Federal Ministry of
Water Resources by Japans International Consultancy Agency.
World Health Organization (1984): Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality, Vol. 1
Recommendation, WHO Geneva.
Borno State Water Board (1988): Information Paper volume II 1822p.
John U.L. and F.A. Adeniji (1986): Sources, Availability and Safety of Water in
“Primary Health Care” In: J.O. Igene, S.O. Chikwem, B.A. Omotara and S.A.
Oyebile (Eds) University of Maiduguri Press 152p.

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International Journal of Advanced Scientific and Technical Research Issue 3 volume 5,Sep.- Oct.

IN-DEPTH EVALUATION OF POTENTIALS AND UTILIZATION OF

B.G. Umara1, Sangodoyin2 A. Y., and J. M. Dibal1

R S. Publication, rspublicationhouse@gmail.com Page 88

sustainability is seldom a subject of discussion. However, in North-Eastern sub-sahelian

persists. Ground water is comparatively free of pathogenic bacteria, and is usually

abstracted via boreholes, tube wells, and springs among others.

and is undermining the industrial, economic, agricultural, and socio-cultural development

R S. Publication, rspublicationhouse@gmail.com Page 89

Materials and Methods

performances, operations and maintenance procedures of boreholes were physically

R S. Publication, rspublicationhouse@gmail.com Page 90

Water Demand Estimate (1997 and 2007)

10 % increment recorded for 1982.

Projection of Water Demand Estimates: Year 2000 And 2020

and 2020 respectively.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Operation and Maintenance of Water Supply Schemes in Borno State

Water distribution systems are generally made up of underground pipes of different

Each borehole has a number of 2 to 3 operators working on shift basis. A number of

R S. Publication, rspublicationhouse@gmail.com Page 91

by local governments authorities for the same reason

Analysis of Water Demands and Availability

average correlation of 0.5.

R S. Publication, rspublicationhouse@gmail.com Page 92

Rural demand Urban demand

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Eastern Sub-saharan region of Nigeria (Borno 1997)

Zonation ** Water use in cubic meters per day

Total 764.0 or7.64 MLD 76260 or 76.26 83900 or 83.9 ML)

Analysis of the Projected water Demands

2000 water demand projection.

R S. Publication, rspublicationhouse@gmail.com Page 94

Quality Analysis of Ground Water in North- Eastern & Sub-Eastern Region

Northern Nigeria Ministry of Health Standards for Drinking Water [5]

Sahelian Region of Nigeria (Borno State)

R S. Publication, rspublicationhouse@gmail.com Page 95

Sub-Sahelian Region of Nigeria (Borno).

& Adeniji [6].

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Table 5: A Mean Concentration of elements from analysis of Water Samples in

North-eastern Sub-Sahelian Region of Nigeria.

Parameter* Sample from the Boreholes Mean

R S. Publication, rspublicationhouse@gmail.com Page 97

Parameter* Samples from Native Wells

4.4 Hydraulic Properties of the Aquifers

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and 31.78m2/day respectively.

Table 7: Inventory of Abstraction from Some Lower Aquifers in the Sub-Sahelian

Location Discharge Daily 105x m3

R S. Publication, rspublicationhouse@gmail.com Page 99

PROBLEMS OF WATER SUPPLY

1. A lot of boreholes were found to have zero yield on account of inadequate

hydrogeological and engineering investigations of the aquifers. This may be as a

result of unqualified personnel;

generators had culminated to unsteady supply of water at varied qualities;

5. Nonchalant attitudes of consumers at water supply sites;

6. Irregular maintenance of boreholes and water supply pipes;

7. Inconsistent and meager allocation of fund to water supply sector by the

resources projects in the planning, citing, construction, and maintenance of water

R S. Publication, rspublicationhouse@gmail.com Page 100

Possible ways of Improving Water Supply in North-Eastern Sub-Sahelian Region

Chad formation should be considered for optimum and orderly development of