HYDROGEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT REPORT
CLIENT
SANGLA WATER PROJECT
PO.BOX 1222 - 40400
SUNA-MIGORI
THE PROJECT
HYDROGEOLOGICAL SURVEY REPORT
AT
SANGLA VILLAGE NYANANGA SUB LOCATION
NYABISAWA LOCATION AND DIVISION
SUNA EAST DISTRICT
INVESTIGATING GEOLOGIST: A. OMWAMBA R GEOL.
(LICENCE NO. WD/WRP/238) TEL:0722454246
MAY 2024
ABBREVIATIONS AND GLOSSARY OF TERMS
ABBREVIATIONS: (NOTE SI spellings used throughout).
EC Electrical Conductivity (US/cm)
Km Kilometres
M Metres
M amsl Metres above mean sea level
M bgl Metres below ground level
Ppm Parts per million, equivalent to mg/l
SWL static water level (in m bgl)
TDS Total Dissolved Solids (ppm)
VES Vertical Electrical Sounding
WSL water struck level (in m bgl)
(ii) GLOSSARY OF TERMS:
Aquifer A geological formation or structure which transmits water and which may
supply water to wells, boreholes or springs.
Confined Confined aquifers are those in which the piezometric level is higher (i.e. at
a greater elevation relative to sea level) than the elevation at which the
aquifer was encountered.
Intercalated Inter-bedded – a lava flow that may occur between layers of sediment or
vice-versa
Old Land Surface Old Land Surface (OLS’s) is the term given to ancient erosion surfaces
now covered by younger surface material. In hydrogeology OLS’s
frequently make good aquifers, especially where the erosion debris left
behind is coarse in nature.
Phenocrysts The larger crystals in porphyritic rocks
Porphyritic A rock containing large crystals (>phenocrysts) in a finer groundmass
Recharge The general term indicating the process of transport of water from surface
sources (i.e., from rivers or rainfall) to the groundwater system.
Unconformable The representation in physical geology (i.e. in the rock record) of a break
in the ordered succession of rocks
Sediments Here used as a general term describing geological material of sedimentary origin.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Rotary Club of Suna -Migori has programs of availing clean and potable water to the areas
most hit by water scarcity. Among the options, groundwater development by way of drilling of
boreholes ranks highest as a way of alleviating scarcity of drinking water.
The client courtesy of the Rotary club is eager to develop a borehole water source to meet the
water demand at the institutional and community levels. The need for water for the domestic
requirements purposes ranks high.
The site is in the outskirts of the Migori Town and would expect sufficient services from the
Town water supply. The purpose therefore is to supplement the shortfall occasioned by the
scarcity of the water coverage, the essence of this hydrogeological survey.
This report documents the findings of a hydrogeological and geophysical borehole site survey
carried out in the precincts of the Sangla Village of Suna West Location, Division and District.
This project, courtesy of the client and the bRotary Club, is to ensure access to safe clean water
for use in the area and within a healthy sustainable environment.
The proposed point in the village has the coordinates 34026’20’’E and 01004’11’’S on Map
Sheet 143/2; situated at an elevation of 1434 metres above sea level.
The study concludes that on the basis of geological evidence, and the accompanying
hydrogeological and geophysical investigations, the groundwater prospects for moderate
abstractions are good for the proposed groundwater development endeavour.
The reconnaissance survey was carried out followed by geophysical borehole site investigations
through resistivity application. Within the context of resistivity instrumentation, one Vertical
Electrical Sounding (VES) was carried out at the proposed site.
The maximum separation used was AB/2 = 250metres that was considered effective in
delineating the transition into the andesitic rocks
In addition to the hydro geologic assessment outlined above, a detailed coordinated planning
with the Government Authorities [Water Resources Authority} - must be implemented to obtain
relevant permits and consent for the project implementation.
1.1 Water Resources
The water resources outlay for the area is scarce. The piped water supply for the town is
inadequate to meet the ever expanding population. The position of the site relative to the Town
Centre, and the high elevation therefore, makes it more difficult for the water supply to be
accessed in the area.
The residents mostly rely on water ferried from without and often ferried by tanker or hawkers
with bicycles and motor cycles.
Although the rainfall amounts are good and reliable these resource has not been tapped enough
by way of roof catchment.
1.2 Water Demand
The project once successful will meet the domestic water needs for the area community needs. A
water demand of about 40m3/day is deemed adequate to meet the domestic water requirements.
1.3 Project Location
1.3.2 General site details
The project was sited at the Sangla Village is in the neighbourhood of the Oruba area. The site is
about 2,5 Km to the west of the Town as depicted in the sketch map hereafter.
SKETCH MAP OF THE PROPOSED BOREHOLE SITE
The area although served by the Migori Water Supply, this initiative is to ensure water
sufficiency to and also supplement the existing water supply. The water supply is highly
constrained to meet water needs given the high demand that has overtaken the design supply of
the Town water scheme.
Therefore, the need for this survey and the development of the boreholes is necessary and
should be encouraged.
The proposal to develop a reliable supply calls for a fundamental understanding of the local
aquifer hydrogeology of the area, for one to develop a feasible groundwater model for the project
site.
The implication is that the best location cannot always be selected rationally with the sole help of
surface geology, and it therefore necessary to study systematically the sub-surface conditions by
use of the electrical soundings.
At the site, geophysical measurements were carried out to confirm the hydrogeological
conditions and identify optimum and suitable site locations. This was done through resistivity
application where two Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) were carried out at the site.
The maximum separation used was AB/2 = 250m which was considered effective; in deep
penetration of the andesitic lithology.
2.0 Climate, Drainage & Topography.
2.1 Physiography
The site is part of the Migori Town that is set in a hilly topography. Rugged hill ranges lie to the
immediate north of this site while to the south the terrain changes to one that can be described as
undulating landscape that constitute the Migori and Kuria plains. The site is in an area that can
be described as of undulating plains that extend to be interrupted by the Migori Hilly Highlands
to the north. The plains extend westwards to include the Lake Victoria Lakeshore plains.
2.2 Climate
Mild cool to warm temperatures characterize the daily weather of the area. An annual rainfall
amount of about 1000mm obtains in the area falling in a bimodal pattern. The long rains occur in
the March-June period while the short rains occur in the September-December period.
Rainfall is evenly distributed in the Migori area in particular and its environs with most of the
precipitation being received in the bimodal distribution pattern. The rainfall is experienced in
what is respectively referred to as the short and long rains.
The climate is tropical humid.
2.3 Drainage
The River Migori to the north of this region is the main drainage feature. The river and its
tributaries that are all perennial have a dendritic pattern of drainage. The River traverses the area
and trends westwards to the Lake Victoria water mass.
3. Hydrogeology
The hydrogeology of an area is determined by the nature of the parent rock, structural features,
weathering processes and precipitation patterns. Within the andesites the hard rock formations,
groundwater primarily occurs within weathered and fractured zones.
3.1 Hydrogeology of the Project Area
The site is located in a hydrogeological zone that is characterized by high to medium
groundwater potential.
The rainfall is the main source of ground water recharge. The moderately high rainfall furnishes
direct recharge.
Lateral regional replenishment as a seasonal mode of recharge is expected to contribute highly to
the ground water regime in the area, confined deeper aquifers that are expected to be recharged
from the higher areas.
3.2 Vegetation
The soil vegetative cover constitutes of the rich soil cover of the remnant indigenous Tropical
Forest type vegetation, both subsistence and cash crops. Maize, finger millet, beans, bananas and
cassava are grown as food crops.
Exotic trees such as Eucalyptus and Grivellia Robusta are the trees that have further enriched the
vegetative cover.
The natural vegetation of the Tropical Forest has been cleared to give way to the cultivated
fields.
The vegetative cover encourages rainfall water infiltration and eventual percolation into the
subsurface. The good soil cover by the foliage in the area is expected to maximize recharge.
4 Geology and Soil Cover
Brown red sandy loam soils occur with a likely deep profile. A layer of lateritic residues underlie
the soils. Andsites that appear porpheritic and in some places highly fractured with spherical
weathering occur. The andesites outcrop on the hills and in isolated spots at the site.
The geology is dominated by the andesitic intrusives. The andesites have a large spatial spread in
the region.
Ground water potential is good and aquifers are expected in the weathered and fractured zones,
at relatively shallow depths.
Due to low evapo-transpiration rates, water is expected to be fresh and palatable. Fluoride levels
are not a concern in the locality as they do not exceed the WHO limit.
4.1 Hydrogeology of the site
The annual rainfall through direct recharge infiltrates the highly permeable soils derived from the
weathering of the andesitic formation that form the phreatic zone. Percolation into the subsurface
sustains the underground water regime.
Lateral recharge from the nearby highland areas are likely to enrich the ground water occurrence
through regional replenishment.
Potential aquifers are expected within the weathered horizons and the fractured and faulted rocks
forming favourable storage horizons. The aquifer system is deduced to be both confined and
semi-confined.
Aquifer recharge is expected to be mainly by regional replenishment under hydraulic gradient
from higher grounds on the hill ranges. This recharges confined deeper aquifers. Direct
infiltration from precipitation also contributes towards recharge of shallower semi- confined
aquifers
5. Water Quality
Important water quality parameters for rural and community water supplies are Electrical
conductivity, iron and fluoride concentrations. The permissible levels are 750 micro-S/cm, 1.5
ppm and 1ppm respectively (Groundwater Master Plan-1992).
The integrated drinking water risk taking into account the above parameters for the area is
classified as good. Groundwater quality for the area is hence generally good. However, this risk
analysis is not uniform in time and space hence the potential to infringe on the National
Standards on localized scale.
International standards for physical and chemical quality of drinking water have been set by the
World Health Organization (1971) as follows:
Quality highest desirable maximum permissible
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Physical
Turbidity (JTU Units) 5 25
Colour, Hazen-units (on 5 50
Platinum cobalt scale)
Taste and odour unobjectionable ----
Chemical
PH 7.0-8.5 6.5-9.2
Total dissolved solids (mg/l) 500 1500
Total hardness as CACO3 100 500
(mg/l)
Calcium (mg/l) 75 200
Magnesium (mg/l) < 30 if SO4 is 150
250 mg/l, up to
150 mg/l if SO4
Is less than 250 mg/l.
Iron (as Fe) (mg/l) 0.05 1.5
Manganese (as Mn) (mg/l) 0.1 1.0
Copper (as Cu) (mg/l) 0.05 1.5
Zinc (as Zn) (mg/l) 5.0 15.0
Chloride (mg/l) 200 600
Sulphate (mg/l) 200 400
Fluoride (mg/l) 0.6-0.9 0.8-1.78
Nitrate (mg/l) - 45
Quality of groundwater is controlled by: -
(i) Geology of aquifer
(ii) Length of time water is stored in the ground
(iii) Climate
(iv) Nature of recharge
(v) Contamination
Geology of the aquifer determines the type and amount of dissolved solids it will contain.
The longer the period water is stored in the good; the more dissolved solids it will contain.
Climate determines the rate of evaporation from aquifers and also recharge into the aquifer.
In hot and dry climate region, the salt content of groundwater is high due to high
evaporation. More recharge to the aquifer lowers the salt content of the groundwater.
Groundwater contamination due to poor sanitation is the major process of groundwater
quality degradation.
6. Existing Boreholes.
The boreholes done within the same geological setting are tabulated in the table below report.
Borehole Name/ Distance/ Total W.S.L. W.R.L. Tested
Number Owner Bearing Depth (m) (m) Yield
From Site (m) (m3/Hr
C- Migori Dist. 2.5KmE 190 8
Hospt. NE
C- Ombo Hospt. 2.5KmE 120 5
C- Migori TTC 2.3Km E 200 10
The data information is indicative of an area with good groundwater potential.
Data from the drilled boreholes located within a radius of 3Km was collected. The following
observations were made:-
The boreholes have tested yields varying between 3.5-10 m3/Hr, with depths ranging from 120-
200metres.
7. Impacts of the Proposed Activity to Water Quality, Wetlands.
The Proposed drill site and related works are expected to pose no impact on water quality, for
either Surface or groundwater resources. There is no surface water body near the drill site that
can be contaminated by waste waters generated during drilling. The entire drilling, borehole
construction, pump tests, and completion works will be done under supervision to professional
standards. Entry of any foreign material until completion will be avoided to avoid any entry of
foreign material into the borehole and only inert materials will be used in construction. The
borehole will be properly developed to open up the aquifers and clean the borehole water.
Monitoring of EC during drilling will be done to detect and seal any aquifer with elevated
mineralization.
The site is neither located close to any groundwater source such as boreholes nor surface water
resources such as springs stream or within a wetland and therefore has no negative impacts on
biodiversity.
8. Groundwater Flux/ recharge and Discharge Dynamics.
8.1 Recharge
Although the rate of recharge within the Migori area aquifer cannot be accurately quantified, the
mechanism by which recharge occurs can only be postulated. The two possible recharge
mechanisms are direct recharge at the surface and indirect recharge via faults or lateral water
movement through the homogeneous aquifer beds from the highland and hilly areas.
Assuming that suitable storage media exist below the ground, the aquifer is affected by the
downward percolation of rainfall or river water to the aquifer. If the infiltration is low due to the
presence of an acquiclude like clay, the recharge to the aquifer is low.
Percolation will depend on the soil structure, vegetation cover and the state of erosion of the
parent rock. Rocks weathering to clayey soils naturally inhibit percolation. Aquifers may also
be recharged laterally if the rock is permeable over a wide area.
Some of the rainwater is also conducted underground by local faults. This mechanism is
particularly important for recharge to the deep aquifers, which provide stable groundwater
supplies.
The important recharge area for the Migori area aquifers is the rocky hill ranges and the
undulating landscapes. Here water percolates directly into the faults and cracks within the
andesitic formation via the weathered and faulted and fractures formations through which deeper
and adjacent units are recharged over time.
8.2 Discharge
Discharge from aquifers is either through natural processes as groundwater base flow to streams
and springs or artificial discharge through human activities.
The total effective discharge from the general study area aquifers via either of the above means is
not known. Increased consumer pressure and demand for groundwater will inevitably lead to
impact of the aquifer systems but not in the very near future.
9. GEOPHYSICS
In order to map out geological subsurface conditions, a variety of methods are used. In the
present survey galvanic Resistivity method was used, and included Vertical Electric Sounding
(VES) to establish vertical sub-surface resistivity layering.
The site is in an area that has not had much groundwater exploitation and therefore limited
hydrogeological data. It was therefore imperative that the strategy in this survey was to carry out
extensive and intensive data collection as to delineate suitable points for drilling.
In order to map out geological subsurface conditions, the present survey galvanic Resistivity
method was used, and utilised the Vertical Electric Sounding (VES) to establish vertical sub-
surface resistivity layering0r the changes in electrical conductivity
The VES expected to unfurl the depth wise variation. Electrical Conductivities of less than 10
Ohmm are likely to represent very conductive media that can be attributed to the mineralised
water that imparts the salinity behavior for instance, or clayey non permeable formations.
9.1 Basic Principles
The electrical properties of rocks in the upper part of the earth's crust are dependent upon the
lithology, porosity, the degree of pore space saturation and the salinity of the pore water. Saturated
rocks have lower resistivities than unsaturated and dry rocks. The higher the porosity of the satu-
rated rock the lower its resistivity, and the higher the salinity of the saturating fluids, the lower the
resistivity. The presence of clays and conductive minerals also reduces the resistivity of the rock.
The resistivity of earth materials can be studied by measuring the electrical potential distribution
produced at the earth's surface by an electric current that is passed through the earth.
The resistance R of a certain material is directly proportional to its length L and cross-sectional area
A, expressed as:
R = Rs * L/A (Ohm) (1)
where Rs is known as the specific resistivity, characteristic of the material and independent of its
shape or size. With Ohm's Law,
R = dV/I (Ohm) (2)
where dV is the potential difference across the resistor and I is the electric current through the
resistor, the specific resistivity may be determined by:
Rs = (A/L) * (dV/I) (Ohm.m) (3)
9.2.1 Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES)
When carrying out a resistivity sounding, current is led into the ground by means of two electrodes.
With two other electrodes, situated near the centre of the array, the potential field generated by the
current is measured. From the observations of the current strength and the potential difference, and
taking into account the electrode separations, the ground resistivity can be determined.
While carrying out the resistivity sounding the separation between the electrodes is step-wise
increased (in what is known as a Schlumberger Array), thus causing the flow of current to penetrate
greater depths. When plotting the observed resistivity values against depth on double logarithmic
paper, a resistivity graph is formed, which depicts the variation of resistivity with depth.
This graph can be interpreted with the aid of a computer, and the actual resistivity layering of the
subsoil is obtained. The depths and resistivity values provide the hydrogeologist with information
on the geological layering and thus the occurrence of groundwater.
9.3 Geophysical Investigation Methods
A great variety of geophysical methods are available to assist in the assessment of geological
Sub-surface conditions. In the present survey resistivity (also known as the geo-electrical method)
has been used.
9.3.1 Resistivity Method
Vertical electrical soundings (VES) were carried out to probe the condition of the sub-surface and to
confirm the existence of deep groundwater. The VES investigates the resistivity layering below the
site of measurement. This technique is described below.
The Schlumberger array was applied in the two vertical electrical soundings. The following table
details the sounding parameters measurements.
Interpretation of the sounding curves is can be achieved by computer software.
A deep probe Resistivity meter from the Integrated Geo Instruments & Services Limited, Model:
DDRS, SI NO. IGIS/S/04/18-19, was used to acquire data after which interpretation was done by means
of a PC and Nile software GeWIN Version-4
The following table entails the interpreted findings of the deep VES soundings carried out at
appropriate points at the farm.
RESISTIVITY ELEVATION(m) LAYER LAYER TRUE EXPECTED
CURVE THICKNESS RESISTIVITY GEOLOGICAL
COORDINATES
FORMATION
(m) (Ohmm)
VES 1 1434 Metres 1.5 60 Top loam soil
34026’20’’E 4.5 25 Highly weathered
1004’11’’S andesites
10 20 Decomposed andesites
44 200 Highly weathered
andesites
40 150 Highly weathered
andesites
30 300 Moderately weathered
andesites
30 150 Highly weathered
andesites
40 300 Moderately weathered
andesites
Below 200 500 Slightly weathered
metres andesites
10,. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Geophysical and hydrogeological site investigations on the project area indicate very good
groundwater potential. From the geophysical modeling, the geology and the hydrogeological
information, the following deductions have been made:-
The geological profile at the site area variously consists of
Top loam soils
Decomposed andesites
Andesites at various grades of weathering
Groundwater can be harnessed from the highly. Moderately and slightly weathered andesites
occurring from shallow to deep levels.
Based on the foregoing considerations, drilling is recommended as hereunder:-
Site Name Grid Reference Elevation Maximum Site
Recommended reference
Depth
VES 1 34026’20’’E 1434 metres 300 metres At the
1004’11’’S investigated
point,VES1,
in front of the
plot for the
site drilling.
The sites is pegged and is at front eastern side of the investigated site.
Other recommendations to be met include;
1 Installation of a Master meter in the borehole to enable periodic monitoring of abstraction
rate.
2 Installation of a piezometer (or airline) in the borehole to enable regular measurement of
Static water level.
3 Undertaking full physical, chemical and bacteriological analysis of the water obtained
before use for any intended purposes.
4 Drilling may be discontinued before the maximum depth on the recommendations of the
supervising hydrogeologist on attaining enough yields
5 An E.I.A. must be conducted as per the requirements of Environmental Management and
Coordination Act-1999, unless the project is exempted from the same provisions Air
drilling method is recommended for the site
6 Authorization to Drill must be obtained from WRMA, Lake Victoria South Catchment
Area Regional office. After completion of drilling, pumping-test and other installations,
water quality analysis must be carried out at a recognized laboratory to qualify the water
for human use. Borehole completion record must be submitted to WRA Regional offices
for record and reference purposes.
Other Recommendations
Environmental aspect – The site is not prone to contamination especially through flooding. The
site is an area that is free from flooding.
Borehole drilling and construction
Method of drilling & construction – the methods of drilling and construction of the boreholes
have been recommended considering the following factors:
Quantum of water required – High yields of water are required to meet the present and future
domestic demands.
Geologic conditions –crystalline rocks and associated intrusions can suitably be penetrated by
rotary drilling.
Economic considerations- Costs of operations, requires a faster method of drilling (rotary
drilling).
Time frame – Machine should be capable of handling large volume of work within specified
period.
Hydro geologic considerations – The borehole is to be drilled to a depth of 300 m b.g.l. Thus
machine drilling is recommended as opposed to hand digging, jetting etc.
Drilling – The drilling should be done by rotary effect of cutting tools on the rock formation.
Borehole diameter – open hole diameter of 203mm should be drilled up to the recommended
depths. However depth can be varied depending on the recommendation of supervising hydro
geologist. However the first 5-10m should be drilled with 254mm for surface casing installation.
Surface casing – Surface casing can be used temporarily in the course of drilling for the first 5-
10m from ground level.
Permanent casings – Steel casings of 152mm or µPVC should be used. This will provide
enough annular space for the installation of gravel pack. The positioning of plain and slotted
(screen) casings should be designed on site by the supervising hydro geologist.
Gravel pack – Gravel pack should be of siliceous material grain size 2-4mm diameter to be
installed in the annular space. About 5 tons of gravel pack would be required for the borehole
drilled.
Borehole development – After the installation of casing assembly and gravel shrouding, in
accordance with the recommended design, a borehole has to be developed to make it sand free
and to improve its specific capacity and efficiency. The process of development accomplishes
the removal of fine material from the screen apertures, gravel and aquifer around the borehole. In
the present case of hard rock borehole, the development opens up fractures and crevices plugged
by crushed rock and sludge in the course of drilling. The method to be adopted is the use of
compressed air. The sudden release of compressed air creates very strong pumping surges and
discharge of water along with fines by air-lift.
Borehole performance tests – on completion of construction and development, borehole should
be tested to determine its yield in relation to drawdown in order to fix safe operational rate of
pumping and select suitable pump for installation. This will be done in the following order of
operations:
i. A step draw-down and calibration test – for 5 hrs. followed by:
ii. Recovery measurement for 5 hrs or till the water recovers to original water rest
level.
iii. A constant discharge test – for 24hrs
iv. Recovery measurement – for 12hrs or till the water recovers to original water rest
level whichever comes earlier.
Chemical, physical and bacteriological analysis of borehole water sample
Water sample from every borehole drilled– about 2 litres should be collected in a plastic bottle
after development and performance tests and taken to any competent laboratory for chemical,
physical and bacteriological analysis. This will enable appropriate recommendation on the
utilization of the water – for domestic, livestock or Agricultural use.
Groundwater monitoring
After completion of the above operations, a borehole should be fitted with an airline and master
meter/piezometer to monitor groundwater levels and abstractions respectively.
Supervision: It is a very important recommendation that all the above implementation process
be supervised by a hydro geologist. The hydro geologist will be the technical consultant on the
site who will make appropriate decisions and ensure proper implementation of the activities.
He/she will collect accurate information and data on thborehole and therefore proper
documentation of the same. This will facilitate the formulation of future programmes on water
supply, rehabilitation etc.of the borehole.
A permit/authorization to drill borehole must be obtained from Water Resources Management
Authority (WRMA) regional office, Kakamega before the drilling is done. All conditions
stipulated in the authorization regarding the drilling and abstract groundwater must be adhered
to.
A. Omwamba (R. Geol.)
WELL DESIGN SKETCH
