Assessment of Groundwater Potentials at Ishielu L. G. A. of Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The overall objective of the survey is to delineate saturation zones in the study area for the purpose to develop an electric-powered underground water scheme in other to improve the living standard of people. Groundwater potentials assessment were carried out at Ishielu local government area  of Ebonyi State, Nigeria using Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) method were applied at three selected locations. The breakdown of the result shows five geological layers: laterite, dry clay, weathered shale formation and weathered mudstone lithologies; the weathered formations serves as an aquifer with resistivity values ranging from 160.2 – 1246.0Ωm, thickness ranging from 16.9 –35.7m . The saturation zone occurs at an average depth of 77.43m.The fractionating zones within this saturation zone are porous to accommodate a pressure pump.  The overriding inference is that there is a 70% possibility of success for drilling a borehole on the saturation zones for maximum yield at the selected locations.  A downhole drilling method is highly recommended in this area as the subsurface is consolidated and compacted.