Conference Abstracts

Abstract

The aim of this project was to establish a detailed geohydrological database and monitoring network for  the  karst  aquifer  within  the  boundaries  of  the  Vanrhynsdorp  Water  User  Association.  An adequate monitoring network is necessary for the Vanrhynsdorp Water User Association to implement sustainable water use management as well as for the Department Water Affairs to ensure its mandate as trustee of all water resources. Hydrocensus projects were conducted in phases as the project escalated from historic town supply during 1978 towards a catchment driven water user association after implementation of the new National Water Act in October 1998 (Act 36 of 1998). With the successive hydrocensuses conducted, the monitoring network also evolved in regard to area monitored, point locations, monitoring schedules and parameters measured. Hydrocensus data were captured on the National Groundwater Archive, time series data on the Hydstra database and chemical analysis on the Water Management System. Time series graphs were compiled to analyse the monitoring data and to create a conceptual model of the karst aquifer. The study showed a general decline in groundwater levels and quality in the study area. The conclusion is that the aquifer is over exploited. It is recommended that an extensive management plan is developed and implemented to ensure sustainable use of this sensitive water resource. The installation and monitoring of flow meters on all production boreholes should be seen as urgent and stipulated as such in licensing conditions. This will ensure the effective management and regulation of this valuable groundwater resource.

Abstract

The benefits of the commercial plantation forestry sector (income generation, job provision, etc.) come at considerable environmental costs, particularly the impact of the industry on water resources. Plantation forests exhibit higher evapotranspiration rates when compared to that observed in indigenous forests/grasslands. A reduction of the water yield in a catchment is one of the most frequently reported impacts of afforestation. Afforestation also significantly impacts groundwater, which is becoming an increasingly important resource for water supply in South Africa. Very few studies have however quantified in detail the impact of different commercial forests grown in South Africa on groundwater and the interactions with surface water. This study seeks to contribute to addressing this important knowledge gap. The main objective was to comprehending groundwater recharge dynamics in commercial plantation forests, i.e. an environment where evapotranspiration losses is a major component of the water balance. The HYDRUS-2D model was used to simulate the hillslope hydrological dynamics in a commercial plantation forest (Pinus radiata) during the period 8 July 2016 to 12 June 2017. The model was used to simulate the interaction between the vegetation, unsaturated zone and the saturated zone in order to better understand the groundwater recharge dynamics evident in the area. As a precursor to model application a detailed conceptual model of the recharge processes occurring in the study areas was developed. The model considered the prevailing geomorphological and hydrogeological conditions. HYDRUS-2D was able to adequately simulate the soil hydraulic properties characterising the study area. The hydrological dynamics of the simulation results also conform to the conceptual understanding of groundwater recharge processes evident in the study area. Over the entire simulation period (340 days), the model quantified potential groundwater recharge to be 31.5 mm. This primarily occurred during a 60 day period (20 September 2016 - 19 November 2016) in response to significant rainfall events of 76.96 mm (DOS 56 – 58) and 45.98 mm (DOS 71 – 72). This groundwater recharge dynamic conforms to the notion that groundwater recharge is driven by single or multiple events and not by annual averages. The results of the investigation are promising and provide motivation for the application of HYDRUS-2D to estimate groundwater recharge in environments which are deemed to be suitable for model application. The model provides the ability to study the dynamics of groundwater recharge at short time scales, as opposed to annual average responses which are derived from commonly applied techniques.

Abstract

The hydraulic parameters of heterogeneous aquifers are often estimated by conducting pumping (and recovery) tests during which the drawdown in a borehole intersecting the aquifer is measured over time, and by interpreting the data after making a number of assumptions about the aquifer conditions. The interpreted values of the hydraulic parameters are then considered to be average values that represent the properties of the bulk aquifer without taking into account local heterogeneities and anisotropies. An alternative and more economic approach is to measure streaming potentials in the vicinity of the borehole being tested. The streaming potential method is a non-invasive geophysical method that measures electrical signals generated by groundwater flow in the subsurface through a process known as electrokinetic coupling. This method allows data to be recorded at a high spatial density around the borehole. The interpretation of streaming potential data in terms of aquifer hydraulic parameters is facilitated by a coupled flow relationship which links the streaming potential gradient to the hydraulic gradient through a constant of proportionality called the electrokinetic coupling coefficient. In the current study, field measurements of streaming potentials were taken during the pumping and recovery phases of pumping tests conducted at two sites with dissimilar geological and geohydrological conditions. The recorded streaming potential data were interpreted by calculating the hydraulic head gradient from the streaming potential gradient, and by using the potential field analytical solution for the transient mode, which relates the streaming potential field directly to the average hydraulic conductivity. Hydraulic conductivity values estimated from the streaming potential method were of the same order as values determined from the analysis of drawdown data, with a relative error of 0.2. This study demonstrates that the streaming potential method is a viable tool to compliment pumping tests and provide a spatial representation of the hydraulic parameters.

Abstract

South Africa is classified as a semi-arid region where the evapotranspiration sometimes exceeds the annual recharge through rainfall which leads to more drought periods. Combine the before mentioned issue with the water shortages and the impact of mining on water in South Africa, the focus therefore then needs to be placed on the proper estimation of recharge from rainfall and subsequent water management of these water sources. The Ermelo region in Mpumalanga was chosen for the investigation into calculating recharge from rainfall, using water balance methods as the basis on which recharge is calculated. The Ground Water Balance, Saturated Volume Fluctuation, Ground water level fluctuation and Cumulative Rainfall Departure methods was used to calculated recharge and then compare the different methods and their values with each other to compile an accurate estimation of recharge in the area. The data was analysed for each of the methods and then plotted and compared on a simple x-y chart. A new equation was formulated whereby any recharge from the previously mentioned methods can be normalized against the new formula for a more accurate recharge value. As a secondary objective a recharge intensity map was compiled for the area showing the areas of potentially high recharge.

Keywords: South Africa, Ermelo, Recharge Estimation, Water balance methods, Ground Water Balance, Saturated Volume Fluctuation, Ground water level fluctuation, Cumulative Rainfall Departure, Intensity maps.

Abstract

After a period of heavy rainfall in 2006, pit water from a rehabilitated opencast coal mine in the Mpumalanga Province started decanting, causing impacts on the adjacent agricultural land and river system. Various actions have since been taken to manage the pit water, including construction of contour berms to prevent clean water entering the ramps, construction of levees and dam walls to increase the decant level, irrigation of mine water on the rehabilitated areas of the pits, disposal of pit water in nearby pans, recirculation of pit water by means of pumping between the various voids, controlled release of pit water to the river system, and construction of a pipeline to pump pit water to a nearby colliery where there is a demand for process water. For the purpose of mine closure, a water management plan was required for which an estimate of the water make of the colliery was needed. The water make was estimated by using measured quantities (rainfall data, pumping rates, dam water levels) and estimated quantities (evaporation from open water bodies), while making a number of simplifying assumptions. This approach revealed that the conventional method of estimating the water make as a percentage of rainfall recharged through the spoils, significantly underestimates the volumes of water that need to be dealt with at the colliery. Large volumes of groundwater appear to be entering the pits along preferential pathways connected to recharge zones at higher elevations, contributing to the water make of the colliery.

Abstract

Groundwater is an important resource for multiple uses in South Africa. Hence, setting limits to its sustainable abstraction while assuring basic human needs is required. Due to prevalent data scarcity related to groundwater replenishment, which is the traditional basis for estimating groundwater availability, the present article presents a novel method for determining allocatable groundwater in quaternary catchments through information on streamflow. Using established methodologies for assessing baseflow, recession flow, and instream ecological flow requirement, the methodology develops a combined stepwise methodology to determine annual groundwater storage volume using linear reservoir theory, essentially linking low flows proportionally to upstream groundwater storages. The approach was trialled for twenty-one perennial and relatively undisturbed quaternary catchments with longterm and reliable streamflow records. Using the Desktop Reserve Model, maintenance low instream flow requirements necessary to meet present ecological state of the streams were determined, and baseflows in excess of these flows were converted into allocatable groundwater storages on an annual basis. Results show that groundwater development potential exists in nineteen of the catchments, with upper limits to allocatable groundwater volumes (including present uses) ranging from 0.02 to 2.60 Mm3/a over the catchments. With a secured availability of these volumes 75% of the years, variability between years is assumed to be manageable. A significant (R2 = 0.86) correlation between baseflow index and the drainage time scale for the catchments underscores the physical basis of the methodology and also enables the reduction of the procedure by one step, omitting recession flow analysis. The method serves as an important complementary tool for the assessment of the groundwater part of the Reserve and the Groundwater Resource Directed Measures in South Africa.

Abstract

The study on estimation of groundwater recharge was done in Grasslands Catchment, about 70 km south-east of Harare, Zimbabwe. The catchment is underlain by Archean Granitic rocks intruded by dolerite  dykes/sheets  and  form  part  of  the  Basement  Complex.  The  catchment  is  a  stream headwater wetland, at the source of Manyame River. The catchment comprises an upland region or interfluves of area 2.12 km2 and a dambo area of 1.21 km2. The study focused on the assessment of temporal and spatial variability of moisture fluxes based on solute profiling, and groundwater recharge and investigations of moisture transport mechanisms. The methodology involved the use of  both  hydrometric  and  hydrochemical  techniques.  Groundwater  recharge  rates  and  moisture fluxes were calculated using a chloride mass balance technique in comparison to the hydrograph separation technique. Groundwater recharge was estimated to be 185 mm/year using the chloride mass  balance  and  215 mm/year  using  the  hydrograph  separation  technique.  Mechanisms  of recharge were investigated using the bimodal flow model that comprised of diffuse flow and preferential flow. The results revealed that preferential flow contributes up to 95% of the recharge in the interfluves, whilst diffuse flow contributes up to 5% of the total recharge. The results reveal that the groundwater hydrograph technique results are in agreement with the chloride mass balance method. The study illustrated how routine observations can improve process understanding on groundwater recharge mechanisms. The techniques are not expensive, are easy to use and can be replicated elsewhere depending on availability of data.

Abstract

The so-called apparent increase of transmisivity (T) or hydraulic conductivity (K) with scale is an artifact and does not exist in the field. The reason for the apparent increase of T with scale is due to the use of the “not applicable” random log Gaussian stochastic models that are used by geohydrologists. In the petroleum field, where deterministic methods are applied, the apparent increase of T with aquifer volume does not occur. Groundwater practitioners have to change their view and use models that do not show this effect.

Abstract

Estimating groundwater recharge response from rainfall remains a major challenge especially in arid and semi-arid areas where recharge is difficult to quantify because of uncertainties of hydraulic parameters and lack of historical data. In this study, Chloride Mass Balance (CMB) method and Extended model for Aquifer Recharge and soil moisture Transport through unsaturated Hardrock (EARTH) model were used to estimate groundwater recharge rates. Groundwater chemistry data was acquired from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and Global Project Management consultants, while groundwater samples were collected to fill-in the identified gaps. These were sent to Council for Geoscience laboratory for geochemical analysis. Rainfall samples were also collected and sent for geochemical analysis. An average value of rainfall chloride concentration, average groundwater chloride concentration and mean annual precipitation (MAP) were used to estimate recharge rate at a regional scale. Local scale recharge was also calculated using chloride concentration at each borehole. The results were integrated in ArcGIS software to develop a recharge distribution map of the entire area. For EARTH model, long term rainfall and groundwater levels data were acquired from the South Africa Weather Services and DWS, respectively. Soil samples were collected at selected sites and analysed. These were used to determine representative values of specific yield to use on EARTH model. 60% of the groundwater levels data for 5 boreholes was used for model calibration while the remaining 40% was used for model validation. The model performance was evaluated using coefficient of determination (R2), correlation coefficient (R), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean square error (MSE). Regional recharge rates of 12.1 mm/a (equivalent to 1.84% of 656 mm/a MAP) and 30.1 mm/a (equivalent to 4.6% MAP) were calculated using rainfall chloride concentrations of 0.36 and 0.9 mg/L, respectively. The estimated local recharge rates ranged from 0.9-30.2 mm/a (0.14 - 4.6%) and 2 - 75 mm/a (0.3 - 11.4%) using chloride concentration of 0.9 and 0.36 mg/L, respectively. The average recharge rate estimated using EARTH model is 6.12% of the MAP (40.1 mm/a). CMB results were found to fall within the same range with those obtained in other studies within the vicinity of the study area. The results of EARTH model and CMB method were comparable. The computed R2, R, RMSE and MSE ranged from 0.47-0.87, 0.68-0.94, 0.04-0.34, 0.16-3.16, and 0.50-0.79, 0.68-0.89, 0.07-0.68, 0.15-8.78 for calibration and validation, respectively. This showed reasonable and acceptable model performance. The study found that there is poor response of groundwater levels during rainy season which is likely to be due to lack of preferential flows between surface water and groundwater systems. This has resulted in poor relationship between estimated and observed groundwater levels during rainfall season.

Key words: ArcGIS, CMB, EARTH, Groundwater recharge, rainfall

Abstract

This study was focused on estimating groundwater recharge response from rainfall events in a semi-arid fractured aquifer. Determination of response of the groundwater recharge from rainfall is important as it directly affects the available groundwater in an aquifer. Groundwater level data was used to evaluate the response of groundwater recharge from rainfall events using Extended model for Aquifer Recharge and soil moisture Transport through unsaturated Hard rock (EARTH) model. Chloride Mass Balance (CMB) method was also used to estimate groundwater recharge in quaternary catchment A91H. Chloride concentration from groundwater and precipitation in the catchment were collected and analysed. Calculated local recharge using CMB method was interpolated in ARCGIS to generate groundwater recharge distribution maps of the quaternary catchment. The estimated local recharge rates using CMB method ranged from 0.24-8.75 mm/a (0.04-1.3% MAP) using rainfall chloride concentrations of 0.1 mg/L. Regional recharge of 30.1 mm/a (4.6% MAP) were calculated using groundwater chloride concentration of 0.1 mg/L. The estimated recharge rates from EARTH model ranged from 3 to 10.3% of mean annual precipitation(MAP). The average estimated recharge rate was calculated as 6.12% of the MAP which is equivalent to 40.1 mm/a. Both EARTH model and CMB method yielded comparable results and were found to be similar to those obtained from other studies. High recharge was estimated in high elevation area while low recharge was estimated in low elevation area. The results obtained from this study have confirmed and expanded existing knowledge on the nature of groundwater recharge response from rainfall in fractured aquifers in semi-arid areas and the applicability of EARTH model and CMB method in recharge estimation in the same environment. 

Abstract

POSTER Pine plantations require large amount of water for transpirational demand and the amount of water depend on the area of plantation and the rooting depth of plants.
The large amount of water required may result in disturbance of the natural water table equilibrium to meet the demand and insure growth.
The lake Sibayi catchment area is covered by the 65 km2 freshwater lake sibaya, 70km2 of pine and eucalypts woody plantations and crops.
The lake is recharged dominantly from groundwater and it is a water resource for local communities.
A large extraction of groundwater by plantations will decrease the water table and the lake level and that will decrease the amount of water available for local residences.
The main aquifer is composed of tertiary to quaternary age sediments which form a thin covering which blankets most of the Maputaland coastal plain and rests on a cretaceous system.
Shallow marine and beach deposits of tertiary origin overly the cretaceous aged silt, while the quaternary age sediments which constitute most of the cover are predominantly of Aeolian origin.
The Uloa formation of tertiary age is identified to be the most promising aquifer in the region consisting of coarse grained shelly sandstone with calcarenite associated with it.
The aquifer is approximately 40m in depth and it is recharged dominantly from rainfall through infiltration.
Rainfall averages 900mm per annum over the catchment but varies between 1200mm per annum in the south east and 700mm per annum in the west and evaporation equals to ? 1420 mm per annum (Pitman and Hutchinson, 1975).
Lake Sibayi is a freshwater lake of 65km2, in surface area and it is a water resource for surrounding communities and other inhabitants.
The sandy substrate surrounding Lake Sibayi limit the amount of surface runoff and consequently the water level within the lake are maintained by groundwater recharge.
The growth of plantations is influenced by the ability of trees to extract soil water from the intermediate zone below the root zone and the capillary fringe.
The water supply depends on the depth of the water table and on the structure of deposited soil layers and the water table depth is determined by the rate at which vegetation extracts water for transpiration and the recharge rate of groundwater.
The specific yield of a soil determines the amount of water that percolates to recharge groundwater and because vegetation extracts water from layers of soils above the water table they decrease the amount of recharge for groundwater.

Abstract

The so-called apparent increase of transmisivity (T) or hydraulic conductivity (K) with scale is an artifact and does not exist in the field. The reason for the apparent increasing of T with scale is due to the use of the "not applicable" random log Gaussian stochastic models that are used by geohydrologists. In the petroleum field, which uses deterministic methods, the apparent increase of T with aquifer volume does not occur. Groundwater practitioners have to change their view and use models that do not show this effect.

By using intuitive inspection of geological, fracture and connectivity data as well as real pumping test data, this paper shows that up-scaling must be performed with an exponential decaying function, where T always decreases with scale
.
Two types of heterogeneities exists namely a.) horizontal and b.) vertical. Connectivity between fractures is extremely important in both cases, but it is only in semi-confined and watertable aquifers that the vertical heterogeneities are really important (typical case of fracture dewatering)
{List only- not presented}

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper is to present a case study where a water balance concept was applied to describe the expected groundwater safe yield on a sub-catchment scale. The balance considers effective recharge based on local hydrogeology and land cover types, basic human needs, groundwater contribution to baseflow, existing abstraction and evaporation. Data is derived from public datasets, including the WRC 90 Water Resources of South Africa 2012 Study, 2013-2014 South African (SA) National Land Cover and Groundwater Resource Assessment Ver. 2 (GRAII) datasets. The result is an attempt to guide a new groundwater user regarding the volume of groundwater that can be abstracted sustainably over the long-term.

Abstract

Drywells are extremely useful for coping with excess surface water in areas where drainage and diversion of storm flows are limited, facilitating stormwater infiltration and groundwater recharge. Drywells have been used for stormwater management in locations that receive high precipitation volumes, naturally or due to climate change; however, to date, they have not been developed in urban areas overlying karst landscapes. To test the performance of karst drywells, we constructed a pilot system for collecting, filtering, and recharging urban stormwater through drywells in karst rock. The study site is in the Judaean Mountains, an urban residential area in Jerusalem, Israel. The infiltration capacity of the drywells was evaluated using continuous and graduated water injection tests, and its effective hydraulic conductivity (K) was estimated. Drywells’ infiltration capacity was up to 22 m3 /hour (the maximum discharge delivered by a nearby fire hydrant), while monitored water levels in the drywells were relatively stable. Calculated hydraulic conductivities were in the range of K=0.1-100 m/ day, and generally, K was inversely proportional to the rock quality designation (RQD) index (obtained from rock cores during the drilling of the drywells). The pilot system performance was tested in the recent winter: during 9 days with a total rainfall of 295 mm, a cumulative volume of 45 m3 was recharged through the drywell, with a maximum discharge of 13 m3 / hour. High-conductivity karst drywells and adequate pre-treatment filtration can be valuable techniques for urban flood mitigation and stormwater recharge.

Abstract

Throughout the world, climate change impact is the main concern for sustainability of water management and water use activities like agricultural production. Climate changes alter regional hydrologic conditions and results in a variety of impacts on water resource systems. Such hydrologic changes will affect almost every aspect of human well-being. The goal of this thesis is to assess the impact of climate change on the hydro climatology of Fincha Sub-basin located in upper Blue Nile Basin of Ethiopia. The GCM derived scenarios (HadCM3 A2a & B2a SRES emission scenarios) experiments were used for the climate projection. The statistical Downscaling Model (SDSM) was used to generate future possible local meteorological variables in the study area. The down-scaled data were then used as input to the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to simulate the corresponding future stream flow in of Fincha Sub-basin located in upper Blue Nile Basin. A semi distributed hydrological model, SWAT was used to simulate future stream flow. Three benchmark periods simulated for this study were 2020s, 2050s and 2080s. The time series generated by GCM of HadCM3 A2a and B2a and Statistical Downscaling Model (SDSM) indicate a significant increasing trend in maximum and minimum temperature values and a slight decreasing trend in precipitation for both A2a and B2a emission scenarios in both Shambu and Neshe stations for all three bench mark periods. The hydrologic impact analysis made with the downscaled temperature and precipitation time series as input to the SWAT model suggested an overall decreasing trend in annual and monthly stream flow in the study area, in three benchmark periods in the future. This should be considered by policymakers of water resources planning and management. The hydrologic impact analysis made with the downscaled temperature and precipitation time series as input to the hydrological model SWAT suggested for both A2a and B2a emission scenarios. As a result, at the out let of the watershed the projected on average annual flow decrease by 5.59%,9.03%,11% and 2.16%,4.15 and 3.46% for the 2020s,2050s and 2080s for both A2a and B2a emissions scenarios. Potential evapotranspiration in the watershed also will increase annually on average 3 - 16% for the 2020s and 4-19% for the 2050s and 2080s for both A2a and B2a emissions scenarios. {List only- not presented}

Abstract

The frequency, intensity, and duration of droughts are increasing globally, putting severe pressure on water supply systems worldwide. The Western Cape Province suffered from a period of severe water shortages that began around January 2015 and lasted until about July 2018. During this recent drought, there was a forced reduction in water use, predominantly from the agricultural sector. Citizens also reduced water use and increasingly tapped into groundwater for their needs irrespective of whether the hydrogeology was considered favourable or not. Unmonitored and unregulated abstraction of groundwater, especially under unstable climatic conditions, poses a significant risk to the future water security of the Western Cape.
We hypothesize that groundwater enabled the municipalities, residents, and industries of the Western Cape to survive the recent drought. Our aim is to evaluate the change in groundwater storage during the 2015 to 2018 drought and its subsequent recovery. To achieve this, we must gain a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of separate components of the water cycle, as well as the overall water balance.

While there is data on surface water use during the drought, the impact on groundwater resources has yet to be evaluated. However, the accurate assessment of groundwater use is difficult, especially in data-scarce regions, such as South Africa. In our study, we combine remote sensing from NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), the Global Land Data Assimilation Systems, groundwater level measurements from the National Groundwater Archive, and ancillary datasets from the City of Cape Town’s weekly water dashboard to assess the total change in groundwater storage in the Cape Town Metropolitan area and surrounding cities over an 8-year period, from 2012 to 2020. Preliminary results from GRACE data analysis show a steady decline in aquifer saturated thickness over the drought, indicative of an increase in groundwater use.

Abstract

Floods result in significant human and economic losses worldwide every year. Urbanization leads to the conversion of natural or agricultural land covers to low-permeability surfaces, reducing the infiltration capacity of the land surface. This amplifies the severity and frequency of floods, increasing the vulnerability of communities. Drywells are subsurface structures built in the unsaturated zone that act as managed aquifer recharge facilities to capture stormwater runoff. They are particularly well-suited for the urban environment because of their low land occupancy. In this study, we utilized an integrated surface-subsurface flow modelling approach to evaluate the effectiveness of dry wells in reducing urban runoff at a catchment scale. We developed a 3D model with HydroGeoSphere, characterizing a synthetic unconfined aquifer covered by a layer of low-permeability materials. Sensitivity analyses of land surface conditions, aquifer properties, dry well designs, and rainfall conditions were performed. Model results indicated that dry wells are more effective in reducing runoff when the land surface has a higher Manning roughness coefficient or the aquifer material has a higher hydraulic conductivity. Dry wells should be situated beneath drainage routes with high runoff flux to achieve optimal performance. Increases in dry well radius or depth enhance the infiltration capacity, but deeper dry wells can contaminate groundwater through infiltrating stormwater. Dry well performance declines with higher rainfall intensity, emphasizing the need for local rainfall intensity–duration–frequency (IDF) data to inform the design level of dry wells in specific catchments.

Abstract

Contamination of fresh groundwater aquifers by leakage of saline water (brine) from wells may result from various activities, such as salt mining, wastewater or concentrate injection and geothermal heat production. Here, the brine transport and consequences for groundwater monitoring have been explored for a wide range of brine compositions, leakage and hydrogeological conditions using numerical simulations that considered buoyancy impacts from both temperature and density differences. Results show that at close distances to the leak (up to 3-5 meters away), breakthroughs of the salt ( at 1,000 mg/L) occurred within one month of leakage in all modelled scenarios. At a radial distance of 10 meters, with a leak rate of 2 m3 /d, it took three to six months in most cases. For the leakage of relatively warm brines, the heat transport is separated from the salinity due to thermal retardation resulting in monitoring the breakthrough of heat more closely to the depth of the leakage point than the salinity breakthrough. In summary, this study indicates that the mode of dispersion of leaking geothermal brine strongly depends on the brine properties and the leakage and hydrogeological conditions. At the same time, vertical monitoring of temperature and conductivity at a limited distance from brine injection wells (<5m) appears to be a robust method for detecting a possible leak relatively quickly (within a month) and after limited contamination. The monitoring signal in the event of leakage is also sufficiently distinctive to prevent false positives.

Abstract

Since 2018, the North China Plain has started a large-scale ecological water replenishment project for rivers and lakes, with 17.5 billion cubic meters total from the South–North Water Transfer Project and other water sources. It is a key question of how much water infiltration into aquifers will affect groundwater and how to characterize and evaluate this effect quantitatively. The groundwater numerical model of the Beijing-Tianjin- Hebei region as the main part of the North China Plain was established using a numerical simulation method, and the groundwater level variation under the replenishment condition was simulated and predicted. By comparing the two scenarios, the relative rise method of groundwater level was proposed to characterize the influence of river water infiltration on groundwater level, and the unstructured grid method was used to refine cells near the river to improve simulation accuracy. Simulation results show that the groundwater level around some rivers has risen significantly in the past four years, especially in the alluvial fan regions with better infiltration properties. Accordingly, at the Piedmont alluvial fan region, there is also a large influence range on groundwater level. The maximum influence distance is more than 10km (0.1m relative rise of groundwater level was taken as the influential boundary). According to the prediction, if the water replenishment project continues, the range of influence can continue to expand, but the expansion rate will slow down due to the reduction of the hydraulic gradient.

Abstract

Cape Town... Home to over 3 and a half million people, the second most populated city in South Africa was born in the shadow of the Table Mountain. The mountain offered all the elements vital for human settlement... most importantly WATER. The reports of the abundance of fresh water and fertile land at the foot of the mountain and surrounds inspired the VOC to set up a refreshment station at the Cape. By the late-1800s, spring water was solely used for domestic supply to the settlers of Cape Town. Until the 1930s, the Stadsfontein or Main Spring was still being used as a source of drinking water but because of on-going concerns about the safety of the water for human consumption, and sufficient water being available from the new schemes like Steenbras and Wemmershoek, a decision was taken to discontinue using the Stadsfontein for drinking water purposes. Since then most of the water joined the stormwater to the sea, until 2010 when the City recommenced using the water for irrigation at Green Point Stadium and the Commons. City of Cape Town faces a number of water supply challenges. These include managing the ever increasing demands on the current water supply. The City of Cape Town Springs Study was born from this 2001 Water Demand Management study and it aims primarily to examine the possibility of using spring water as an alternative source of water for non-potable supply. Of these, the springs which hold the most potential for use are found in two areas - the CBD area of Oranjezicht, home to the Field of Springs

Abstract

The EKK-TBA is significant in anchoring Gross Domestic Product growth and development in both countries is heavily reliant on groundwater. Recently a transboundary diagnostic analysis (TDA) and a strategic action plan (SAP) for the EKK-TBA was completed. The analysis resulted in a three-fold expansion of the EKK-TBA boundary. The new EKK-TBA boundary overlaps part of the Okavango and Zambezi River Basins and now also includes major wellfields in Botswana and Zimbabwe (Nyamandlovu and Epping Forest) as well as the Makgadikgadi Pans which act as the surface water and groundwater discharge zone.

An analysis of institutional arrangements was carried out to enhance effective and efficient management of the EKK-TBA. Noting the complexity of the EKK-TBA. the initial institutional response could potentially be the development of a bilateral agreement between Botswana and Zimbabwe for cooperation and coordination to support the management of the TBA. This agreement would seek to establish a Joint Permanent Technical Committee (JPTC) that would also co-opt in members from the two shared watercourse commissions. Such a JPTC would enable improved coordination across the varying transboundary dimensions and would align with the precepts of the Revised Protocol on Shared Watercourses. This would include such principles including sustainable utilization, equitable and reasonable utilisation and participation, prevention, and co-operation, as well as aspects of data and information exchange and prior notification.

Abstract

Various electrical potential difference-audio magnetotelluric (EPD-AMT) geophysical equipment is now available in the market for groundwater exploration, and the Groundwater Detector is one of them. Due to their low cost, deeper penetration, and real-time measurement, the technology has been widely received in many developing and underdeveloped countries. However, research to understand the application of the EPD-AMT surface geophysics approach in groundwater exploration is very limited. This research gap needs urgent attention to promote the technology’s meaningful and wider application. The lack of published case studies to demonstrate the capabilities of the EPD-AMT approach is a limiting factor to its application.

Research on different hydrogeological settings is paramount as part of the efforts to improve the practical understanding of the application of the EPD-AMT geophysical approach in groundwater exploration. This study shares field experience from applying the EPD-AMT Groundwater Detector geophysical technique to explore groundwater in dolomite, granite, and Karoo sandstone hardrock aquifers in Southern Africa.

Abstract

The aquifers in the Chao Phraya River basin region were abundant in groundwater. Lately, the groundwater level has been declining due to agricultural activities. While in the wet season, these areas frequently suffered from flooding due to lower elevation than their surroundings. The Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) methods were applied to ease problems by constructing artificial recharge wells which can detain stormwater runoff and let it gradually infiltrate into the aquifer directly. For decades, the Department of Groundwater Resources started the MAR project to alleviate groundwater depletion and flooding over specific areas. However, most of the projects in the past lacked follow-up results and evaluation. Thus, later projects attempted to study recharge processes to evaluate the volume of recharged water through structures and calculate the infiltration rate through filter layers within the structures.

Recently, the field experiments of artificial groundwater recharge were conducted as 8-hour and 20-day experiments with shallow recharge wells in the Chao Phraya River basin regions. These two types of experiments provided similar results. The average recharge rates of 8-hour and 20-day experiments are 2.22 m3/hr and 2.57 m3/hr, respectively. Recharge rates of each well were independently distinct depending on sedimentation characteristics, aquifer thickness, and volume of dry voids. During the test, the recharge well continuously encountered the problem of sediment clogging due to using untreated water from neighbouring streams and ponds. This clogging issue needed to be treated regularly to maintain the efficiency of the recharge well.

Abstract

Kürstein, J;  Thorn, P; Vermaak, N; Kotzé, YL; Pedersen, PG; Linneberg, MS; Fourie, F; Magingi, A

Water supply relies entirely on groundwater in Denmark. A national groundwater mapping programme was established in 2000 to protect this valuable resource. It builds on a thorough and holistic understanding of the hydrogeological settings, obtained through an extensive data collection, culminating with an identification of threats and aquifer vulnerablility. As part of the programme, new approaches, methods, and instruments have been developed, such as airborne geophysical survey by Sky-TEM that allows the mapping of large areas in a fine resolution. Another key element in the mapping is the development of three-dimensional hydrogeological and numerical models. These are used to understand the groundwater flow paths and delineate wellhead capture zones as well as infiltration areas, which, depending on the assessed vulnerability, may be subject to protective measures.

The Danish mapping approach have been tested at selected South African sites through the Strategic Sector Cooperation (SSC) between Denmark and South Africa. The approach was applied in a study supporting Umgeni Water to identify groundwater resources to supply numerous villages near the town of Ladysmith. The study illustrated a high potential for adapting relevant parts of the Danish approach to South Africa, but also revealed some challenges, e.g. related to the fractured geology, where groundwater recharge can be concentrated along dykes, a process very different from what is generally observed in Denmark.

The SSC has initialised the project “South African Groundwater Mapping and Assessment Approach (SAGMAA)” to share knowledge gain through the national groundwater mapping programme in Denmark with South Africa and explore the possibility of adapting elements from the Danish approach to South African conditions in a broader context. The objective of the project is to provide recommendations to South African guidelines, and the paper will present results from the comparison of approaches in the two countries and preliminary recommendations to guidelines.

Abstract

Water has been recognized and acknowledged as a fundamental natural resource that sustains environmental diversity, social and economic development (Liu et al., 2017; Fisher et al., 2017). With increasing populations, climate change and limited monitoring networks for both ground and surface water, freshwater resources are becoming difficult to assess due to rapid changes in water supply and uses. Several efforts have been devoted towards the monitoring and management of water resources and discovery of alternative sources of freshwater. One of the more recent efforts is using gravity information to track changes in water storage on the earth's surface. The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission (https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/Grace/index.html) holds great potential for assessing our water resources in areas with little monitoring data. The increasing interest in the use of GRACE as a water resource information and monitoring tool, is due to its cost effectiveness and user-friendly system which affords a broad understanding of the world we live in and its processes, specifically in water resource management and hydrological modelling. South Africa's National Water Act (NWA) of 1998 highlights the importance of the sustainable development of water resources. However, it is difficult to sustainably manage South Africa's groundwater resources due to the difficultly in measuring and understanding our complex aquifers. The challenges in establishing sustainable monitoring of groundwater resources and its Reserve, are due to insufficient knowledge about the contribution that groundwater makes to surface water, and methods which reliably monitor groundwater resources. The GRACE is a joint satellite mission by the Deutschen Zentrum fur Luftund Raumfahrt (DLR) in Germany and the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The satellite was launched on 17 March 2002 and provides monthly temporal differences of earth's gravity field and its mean gravity field (Schmidt et al., 2008). It can afford insights into the location of groundwater resources, and their changes. GRACE can however, only determine the change in total water storage and therefore information on other components of the water balance are required to isolate the groundwater component. Therefore, the integrated Pitman Model is ideal to be applied together with GRACE and the Model can isolate surface water, soil moisture and groundwater into various components. Many studies have evaluated GRACE-derived groundwater storage changes as a response to drought (Famiglietti et al. 2011; Scanlon et al., 2012), while Thomas et al. (2017b) evaluated a groundwater drought index based on GRACE observations in an effort to understand and identify groundwater drought. Typically, GRACE is applied at scales of 150 000 km2, however Thomas et al., (2017) has developed a recent method that allows for the application of his GRACE derived Groundwater Drought Index (GGDI) at smaller scales. This study applies Thomas et al. 2017 GGDI in South Africa to the Crocodile, Sedgefield and Doring catchments, in hopes to to evaluate drought characterisation using data from GRACE satellites, focusing on the total water storage deficits to characterise groundwater drought occurrence.

Abstract

Groundwater represents a crucial source of drinking water in the Lille metropolitan area. Despite its importance, the resource is vulnerable to the potential evolution of land use: recharge, runoff and evapotranspiration processes in a soil-sealing context and changes in cultural practices. As a result, stakeholders emphasized the importance of exploring the influence of land use on groundwater to ensure sustainable resource management and enhance territorial planning. The 3D hydrodynamic model helped manage groundwater resources, but the (MARTHE code) has a significant limitation in that it does not consider the impact of land use evolution. We propose to investigate the contribution of a hydrological distributed numerical approach incorporating land cover data in groundwater modelling compared to a global approach at the scale of a peri-urban territory. To do so, we use the HELP code by considering the temporal and spatial evolution of land use and their associated characteristics, such as vegetation and soil properties, to detail recharge and runoff over more than 20 years that we incorporate into the initial groundwater model.

The two approaches yielded comparable global water balance results. However, at the local scale, the model accounting for land use showed significantly different hydric components. Choosing the appropriate model depends on the specific research question and spatial scale, and considering land use evolution is crucial for accurate urban planning impact assessments, especially at the district level.

Abstract

The Reconciliation Strategy for the Olifants River Water Supply System (ORWSS) indicated that the surface water resources in the Olifants Water Management Area are already overallocated, and recommended that the potential of the Malmani Subgroup dolomites along the Limpopo and Mpumalanga escarpment as an additional water resource be investigated. The Feasibility Study for Groundwater Resource Development of the Malmani Dolomites within the ORWSS considered among other aspects the hydrogeology, hydrology, artificial recharge potential, groundwater - surface water interaction and wellfield design options. A key aspect of the analysis and study findings was determining the amount of water that can be provided additionally, as the groundwater development was conceived as impacting on and reducing the ORWSS system yield. Hence, the implementation strategy was designed to address this mistrust in the groundwater potential and to allow for increasing the confidence in the yield estimates over time. The implementation strategy identified several possible recipients of the water, influencing the prioritisation of wellfield development. The scheduling of implementation should first address community water supply shortfalls in the area, followed by releases to the Olifants River to cater for environmental requirements and then direct development for bulk water supply schemes. Out of the twelve identified wellfield target zones (WFTZ), eleven are recommended for potential wellfield development. Seven Malmani Subgroup dolomite aquifer WFTZs have high groundwater development potential with proven high borehole yields (>10 l/s) and are recommended for priority full-scale wellfield development, through a phased monitor-model-manage approach. The total proposed groundwater development comprises 48 wellfields with a combined yield of >40 million m3/a. Although several organisations are suitable for implementing the scheme, or parts thereof, the DWS should maintain oversight function to ensure that the several parts of the scheme development are implemented in a coherent manner and in accordance to the implementation strategy.

Abstract

The generation of acid mine drainage (AMD), as a result of mining activities, has led to the degradation of groundwater quality in many parts of the world. Coal mining, in particular, contributes to the production of AMD to a large extent in South Africa. Although a vast number of remediation methods exist to reduce the impacts of AMD on groundwater quality, the use of a coal fly ash monolith to act as a reactive and hydraulic barrier has not been extensively explored. This study, therefore, aims to investigate how different ways of packing ash affect the hydraulic conductivity of ash and influence leachate quality when acid-mine drainage filters through the ash. Coal ash is highly alkaline due to the existence of free lime on the surface of the ash particles. Previous studies that investigated alternative uses of coal ash, particularly in AMD treatment, suggest that coal ash has the potential to neutralise pH in acid water and remediate acidic soils. To test the effects of different packing methods of coal ash on the hydraulic conductivity and quality of acid mine leachate flowing through it, several Darcy column tests will be conducted. During the course of these experiments, the following parameters will be measured, electrical conductivity, pH discharge, lime (CaCO3) and selected elements of environmental concern.

Abstract

The development of groundwater supply schemes is on the increase in South Africa. However, the sustainability of many of these wellfields is threatened due to the presence of iron (Fe2+) and manganese (Mn2+) ions in the groundwater. Their occurrence can manifest in problems with water quality and supply to consumers. The World Health Organisation recommends the removal of iron and manganese to below 0.3 mg/? and 0.1 mg/? respectively, to circumvent water quality risks. However, production borehole clogging is of greatest concern in the operation of wellfields due to the severe cost implications associated with reduced production. Clogging is caused by the precipitation of iron- and manganese-oxides at the borehole screen initiated by biogeochemical processes. Since Fe2+ and Mn2+ ions and the bacterial populations are naturally present in anoxic/anaerobic aquifer systems and the ingress of oxygen through pumping cannot be entirely prevented. The only approach to controlling borehole clogging is through management and rehabilitation procedures. Locally, these procedures have been implemented and in severe clogging cases the Blended Chemical Heat Treatment method has been applied. However, the effectiveness of rehabilitation has been limited. This can be ascribed to factors such as the incorrect production borehole design

Abstract

The Sandveld (Western Cape, South Africa) is a critical potato production area on the national production scale, especially for table potatoes. As the area is situated on the continent’s West Coast, it is a dry area of low rainfall (less than 300 mm /a). The bulk of the irrigation water for agriculture in the region is derived from groundwater. Approximately 60 Mm3 /a of groundwater is abstracted for irrigation of potatoes in the broader Sandveld, assuming a 4-year rotation cycle. The abstraction of groundwater is a sensitive issue in the Sandveld as groundwater also plays a critical role in supplying water to towns in the area, water for domestic use, and it also plays a critical role in sustaining sensitive ecosystems (such as the coastal lake Velorenvlei).

The groundwater resources have been monitored for nearly thirty years now. The results indicate areas where a slow but consistent decline in groundwater levels and groundwater quality is occurring. The trends can also predict when the aquifers will become depleted, and the groundwater will become too saline for use. This is critical information for management interventions to be implemented now to protect the area from irreversible damage.

Abstract

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have inhabited the lands now known as Australia for over 65,000 years. Their communities are intricately connected to the land and waters through culture and tradition. However, there are few examples of integrated water resource management that serve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities or cultural interests. This is particularly the case for groundwater. In Australia, Indigenous connections to groundwater have historically been overlooked or, in some cases, assumed not to exist. On the contrary, many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures have longstanding physical and spiritual connections to a range of artesian and subartesian groundwater resources. These cultures also house accurate records of groundwater systems.

Despite this, groundwater management in Australia remains dominated by Western scientific perspectives, and the groundwater sector poorly integrates Indigenous stakeholder concerns or knowledge into groundwater management and planning. IAH Australia has prepared and signed an Indigenous Groundwater Declaration intending to raise awareness among the groundwater community of the value of Indigenous perspectives and knowledge of groundwater systems. This Declaration can be viewed and signed at http://declaration.iah.org.au. This presentation provides examples of effective partnerships between Indigenous Communities and Government or Academic groundwater professionals. While progress has been made, challenges must be overcome to integrate Indigenous knowledge and connections into groundwater resource management.

Abstract

The Oudtshoorn Groundwater Project aims to target deep groundwater as a long-term option to augment the water supply to the greater Oudtshoorn Local Municipality. Located 15 km south of Oudtshoorn towards the Outeniqua Mountain range, the Blossoms Wellfield lies within a potentially high-yielding artesian basin. The Peninsula Formation (of the Table Mountain Group (TMG), hydrostratigraphically known as the Peninsula Aquifer, is exposed in the Outeniqua Mountains (high rainfall recharge area), and is deeply confined northwards by the overlying Bokkeveld Group.
The project is currently emerging from an exploration phase, with eight existing boreholes that target the deep confined Peninsula Aquifer, and three boreholes that monitor the shallower Nardouw (Skurweberg) Aquifer. Estimation of the aquifer's productive and sustainable groundwater potential involves determining its hydraulic properties by stressing the aquifer through flow and pumping tests and accurately monitoring flow rates, the potentiometric surface level (PSL) during flow, and PSL recovery thereafter. Free-flow and pumping tests were carried out on four boreholes between the 12th May 2014 and the 29th June 2014. The boreholes were all equipped with data-loggers to record pressure and flow-meters to determine the flow-rate. Recovery of the aquifer after the testing is still being continuously monitored.
Results from the month and a half flow-test show that there is no interaction between the deep confined Peninsula Aquifer and the shallower Nardouw Aquifer beneath the southern part of the wellfield. Because the water-use licence stipulates that there can be no negative impact from Peninsula Aquifer abstraction on the Nardouw Aquifer, which is utilised by farmers in the region, this issue is of paramount importance. The hydrochemical signature of the two aquifers is also different.
Recovery monitoring emphasised that the northern block is better inter-connected through fracture systems than the southern block, because those boreholes recovered to their original potentiometric surface almost immediately, whereas the southern boreholes took days for recovery. Two boreholes in the south are still recovering eight months later, which is most likely due to their being drilled into the limb of folded rock systems and not the more fractured hinge zone (as with the more connected boreholes).
Using the drawdown and recovery curves ('Horner plots'), the transmissivity and storativity of the aquifer is calculated analytically by the Theis equation. The results show a large variation in storativity (1.0E-1 to 1.46E-4) and transmissivity (9-20 m2/day) between the various boreholes, emphasising the heterogeneity of the aquifer. The aquifer properties gained from this testing are essential in better understanding the aquifer system, and developing numerical models for future wellfield testing and model simulation.

Abstract

Flowing fluid electrical conductivity (FFEC) profiling provides a simple and inexpensive way to characterise a borehole with regards to the vertical location of transmissive zones, the hydraulic properties  of  the  various  transmissive  zones  and  the  intra-well  flow  conditions  which  may  be present in the well under ambient conditions. The method essentially involves analysing the time evolution of fluid electrical conductivities in a borehole under pumped and ambient conditions using a down-hole conductivity/temperature data logger. The premise of the method is that the borehole column of water has its electrical conductivity altered by adding saline water into the borehole. This results in a contrast in electrical conductivity (EC) between the water in the borehole and the water in the adjacent formation. At depths where transmissive zones are present, decreases in EC values in the FFEC profile will be observed where formation water with a lower EC (relative to the borehole water column) enters into the well, whilst pumping at low abstraction rates (between 500 ml and 1 liter per minute). By altering the EC of the well-borewater and maintaining a constant pumping rate,  the  sequence  of  FFEC  profiles  depicts  the  dynamic  flow  and  transport  response which  is dependent upon the hydraulic properties of the formation. In this paper the authors present several examples where FFEC profiling has been used to identify transmissive zones in boreholes where no information existed with regards to the vertical distribution of transmissive zones. Furthermore, the authors present case studies where FFEC profiling has been employed as an alternative technology to more conventional hydraulic profiling techniques. This includes a comparative technology case study where down-hole impeller flow meter technology was employed in addition to FFEC profiling and a multi-rate FFEC profile test which was used to determine discrete fracture transmissivity values in a borehole where packer testing equipment could not be installed. Within the context of groundwater contamination investigations, the method holds several attractions as it generates minimal waste water to be managed and disposed of, is inexpensive and can be completed within a relatively short time period.

Abstract

The urban and rural communities sources of water for domestic and other uses come from groundwater in most parts of Ethiopia. But the groundwater is not free from challenge. Fluoride is one of those critical problems which are affecting the health of inhabitants of this corridor. There are places where the fluoride contents reach more than 10mg/l. groundwater Treatment plants, changing the water scheme source from surface water and related efforts have been made so far to alleviation such challenges. Fluoride affects bones and teeth by changing its color and easily affected to a number of health complication in the rift valley of Ethiopia. {List only- not presented}

Abstract

South Africa utilizes coal for energy and chemical feedstock thereby generating millions of tons of ash every year. The ash is stockpiled in surface waste facilities where it poses a risk of leaching and contaminating groundwater. This study utilizes standard leaching tests, TLCP and SPLP, to evaluate and predict the mobility of different elements that leach from fly ash. Two different fly ash samples (Ash M and Ash T) were used in the study. A QEMSCAN analysis was also performed on the samples as well as the coal to determine the elementary and mineralogical compositions. Both Ash samples were generated from bituminous coals and had similar physical properties. Both ash samples were mixed respectively with the two different leachates one more acidic (Leachate A) the other more basic (Leachate B). Trace elements are present in ash in small amounts, but still at lower levels still pose threat to the environment and human health. Only three trace elements were found present in both ash samples. The detected trace elements in an increasing concentration order are: Manganese>Chromium>Copper. It appears the leaching behaviour of these trace elements is similar to the other metals, being insoluble at near neutral and alkaline pH range while dissolvable at low pH ranges. The results show that Leachate B was found to extract more material than Leachate A on a milligrams per gram of ash basis. The risk to groundwater contamination can be minimized by understanding the leaching dynamics and water retention of fly ash dumps as the results show.

Abstract

The research aims to reveal possible ways of formation of the chemical composition of mineral and fresh groundwater in Quaternary sediments of the coastal plain of Northern Sinai. Statistical assessment of the distribution of various hydrochemical indicators of mineral and fresh groundwater has been carried out according to the following data samples: 1) the general population for all Quaternary deposits (164 wells); 2) the central zone (74 wells); the eastern zone (25 wells); the western zone (65 wells). The following variables were assessed: total dissolved solids (TDS) (in ppm), concentrations of major components (in epm and % epm), pH value and the depth of the sampled well (ds) (in meters). The physicochemical equilibria between the groundwater and rock–forming carbonate and sulfate minerals were calculated using the PHREEQC software. Saturation indices (SI) for groundwater of three zones in relation to various rock-forming minerals were analyzed. Correlation relationships were obtained for TDS, major components and some genetic coefficients ((Requ=(Na++K+)/ (Ca2++Mg2+); Na+/Cl-; SO4 2-/Cl-; Ca2+/SO4 2-). It was concluded that the groundwater chemical composition is defined by infiltration recharge and/or intrusion of Mediterranean seawater.

Most likely, during short-term flood periods, the infiltration into aquifers significantly exceeds the evaporation. Despite the relatively high evaporation rate, the degree of groundwater metamorphization is below the saturation level in relation to sulfates and carbonates. The research is of great practical importance for assessing freshwater resources to provide potable water supply

Abstract

South Africa is currently considering unconventional oil and gas (UOG) extraction as an additional energy resource to improve the country’s energy security. In a water-scarce country such as South Africa, which has experienced more frequent and more intense climate extremes due to climate change, the water-related impacts of UOG extraction is a concern. The South African government is however determined to proceed with UOG development as soon as regulations to protect natural resources have been drafted. The country’s intricate governance system can however not enforce such regulations effectively, as it experiences repeated inter-departmental miscommunication, fails to collaborate with stakeholders effectively, and lacks human and financial resources for enforcement. A lack of transparency in fracking operations and between stakeholders is another challenge for enforcing UOG extraction regulations. Poor regulatory enforcement presents an obstacle for the protection of groundwater resources if fracking were to commence.

This study, therefore, focuses on addressing the enforcement challenges of UOG regulations aimed at protecting groundwater resources. It proposes the use of civic informatics on a technology platform, specifically via a mobile application (FrackSA), to assist with on-the-ground enforcement of these regulations. While many UOG mobile applications are used internationally, they mostly focus only on UOG related aspects (news, information, pricing, geological information, and fracking well information). FrackSA uses civic informatics to address both groundwater monitoring and management as well as UOG extraction operations in a single platform, to enable regulators to protect groundwater resources more effectively during UOG extraction, while simultaneously enhancing transparency in the UOG industry.

Abstract

The South African government is actively pursuing unconventional oil and gas (UOG) extraction to augment energy supplies in South Africa, but it risks damaging water quality. The Department of Water Resources and Sanitation recently released regulations to protect water resources during UOG extraction for public comment.

Regulations are one of the main tools that can be used to minimise UOG extraction impacts on water resources and enhance an environmentally sustainable economy. This tool must however be used correctly. Many states in the US and Canada have extensive regulations to protect water resources during UOG extraction but they are often ineffective, either because they were poorly drafted or because they are not properly enforced. Since South Africa is a water-scarce, groundwater-dependent country, we asked South African groundwater experts what regulations are needed and how to enforce them. Focusing on the interface between science and public policy, we critically analyse and recommend the most appropriate fracking regulations to protect groundwater resources. Additionally, we consider the enforcement mechanisms required to ensure the proper regulation of fracking.

The results from this study can assist the government in ensuring that regulations that they are currently drafting and finalising, are appropriate to protect groundwater resources, and that they would be able to enforce them effectively.

Abstract

Groundwater level monitoring is essential for assessing groundwater’s availability, behaviour and trend. Associated with a modelling tool, groundwater level fluctuations can be predicted in the short to middle term using precipitation probabilities or meteorological forecasts. This is the purpose of the MétéEAU Nappes tool implemented by BRGM for the City of Cape Town (CoCT) in the Table Mountain Group Aquifer (TMGA). This case study shows how near real-time groundwater level monitoring can support the municipality in managing its future groundwater withdrawals. The TMGA is an important source of groundwater in the Western Cape region of South Africa. The upper Nardouw Sub-Aquifer of the TMGA is an unconfined aquifer recharged by rainfall. It had been monitored in the Steenbras area for over 10 years before CoCT started groundwater production from the Steenbras wellfield in 2021. The MétéEAU Nappes forecasting tool is already implemented on many observation wells of the French national piezometric network, where it is used for decision-making by the French administration. It allows, in particular, to anticipate several threshold levels of drought and take appropriate measures. It combines real-time water cycle measurement data with a groundwater level lumped model (e.g. Gardenia model) and extrapolates observations for the next 6 months from statistical meteorological scenarios completed with abstraction scenarios. This tool can help protect the Steenbras wellfield as a critical water source for CoCT in the TMGA. This study was financed by the French Agency for Development (AFD).

Abstract

Groundwater is a critical resource in Namibia, particularly in the Kunene and Omusati Regions, which are among the driest in Sub-Saharan Africa. Hydrogeological mapping is essential to ensure this resource’s sustainable use and management. The hydrogeological map of Namibia was updated recently (2021). However, the details of a 1:1M map are too coarse for regional groundwater management. An ongoing study of groundwater potential assessment in the two regions required downscaling the information to 1:250 000. This work made use of geological maps 1:250 000 from the Geological Survey of Namibia, about 430 selected wells including 20 recent boreholes, 117 reinterpreted pumping tests, some existing reports from private companies, academic works including a PhD thesis, interviews with local water resource experts and statistical analysis of 6 500 wells from the National Groundwater Database (GROWAS II) maintained by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR). The regional hydrogeological map obtained was then associated with the recharge evaluated in a separate task of the same project to assess the available groundwater sustainability. By assessing abstraction costs and water demand, the work gives insights into areas where groundwater abstraction can be increased or restricted to ensure sustainable use. As conscientious and serious as this study may be, it does not replace a master plan but allows a global vision of the development potential of groundwater at a regional scale. This study was financed by the French Agency for Development (AFD) under a tripartite agreement (MAWLR-MEFT-AFD).

Abstract

The Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation is the custodian of the Water Resources in South Africa. The Western Cape Provincial Office, Geotechnical Services (Geohydrology) Sub Directorate, is responsible for management of groundwater resources in two Water Management Areas (WMA), Berg Olifants and Breede- Gouritz. Thirty-eight monitoring routes comprising 700 sites in total are monitored across the Western Cape Province. The purpose of this paper is to show the use of GIS as a management tool for groundwater monitoring in the Western Cape. This is to assist and support the scientists, technicians, managers, external stakeholders and/or general public. The main question that needs to be answered is: “What is the current groundwater monitoring and data management situation in the Provincial office” With GIS as platform, geographical information was generated from existing data bases to answer questions such as, what is being monitored, where is it being monitored, who is monitoring it, why is it being monitored, when is it being monitored, are instruments installed, what instruments are installed, what equipment is involved and what energy source is used? These questions are applicable to the Region, Water Management Areas, the relevant monitoring route and geosites. Generated geographical information showed the gaps, hot spots and what is still needed for all the facets of groundwater management (from data acquisition to information dissemination) processes. The result showed the status of data bases, need for data in areas of possible neglect, training gaps, inadequate structure and capacity, instrumentation challenges, need for improvement of commitment and discipline, as well as many other issues. The information generated proves to be an easy tool for Scientists, Technicians and Data Administrators to assist them to be on top of the groundwater resource management in their area of responsibility. The expansion of the use of GIS as a groundwater management tool is highly recommended. This will ensure better understanding of the “The Hidden Treasure” resource.

Abstract

Assessment of aquifer vulnerability to contamination is receiving renewed attention due to recent extreme events as demand for groundwater as alternative sources of water supply intensifies. In this study, GIS-based modeling of the impact of land-based activities and climate variability is employed to quantify the risk to quality deterioration of groundwater resource, delineate potential areas and highlight degree of vulnerability in the Cape Flats aquifer. The study used Scenariorcp85 CMIP5 AR5 climate change datasets downscaled from GCM using WaterWorld model. The WaterWorld is physically based global model for water balance includes all data required for application with a spatial resolution at 1-square km (Mulligan, 2009). The modeling results suggest that water balance for the predominantly low-lying flat central portion receives recharge ranges from 44 to 376 mm/yr. This reflects the area precipitation ranges from 500 to 800 mm/yr. Actual evapotranspiration (mm/yr) ranges from 92 to 1,200. The cmip5rcp85worldclimhe20412060 simulation main results indicate water balance (mm/yr) for the area predict to a minimum of -1,100 and maximum of 1,100. Actual evapotranspiration (mm/yr) ranges from 67 to 1,200. This led to an increase in evapotranspiration for the area of 13 mm/yr (2.5 %) that lead to an overall decrease in the water balance of -44 mm/yr (22 %). The human influence on water quality was simulated based on the human footprint index. The risk of contamination is largely attributed to the change in urban areas, pastures and cover of bare ground. In order to address the significant spatial variability of groundwater recharge and potential contamination risk occurring throughout the area, a GIS-based approach is used. The result underscores that GIS-based models are powerful tools to integrate spatiotemporal data and make assessment possible to improve understanding of water security in light of climate and land use change scenarios.

Abstract

PMWIN5.3 has been one of the most commonly used software for groundwater modeling because of its free source and the adoption of popular core program MODFLOW. However, the fixed formats required for data input and lack of GIS data support have posted big challenges for groundwater modelers who are dealing with large areas with complicated hydrogeological conditions. In South Africa, most geological and hydrogeological data have been captured and stored in GIS format during various national research projects such as WR2005, NGA and etc. Therefore, a proper linkage between PMWIN and ArcGIS is expected to do the preprocessing for modeling in PMWIN. Visual Basic for Application (VBA) embedded in ArcGIS 9.3 was used to develop the linkage. Based on the conceptualization of the study area, the model dimension, discretization and many value setting processes can be easily carried out in ArcGIS other than directly in PMWIN. Then the grid specification file and other input files can be exported as the PMWIN-compatible files. The functions of move, rotation, refinement, sub-model, deleting and inserting row(s) or column(s) of the model have also been developed to avoid the inconvenience aroused from model modification. The linkage can be used with a higher version of PMWIN or ArcGIS. It has been applied to several gold fields in the Witwatersrand gold basin to simulate the groundwater flow and mass transportation for various conditions and scenarios. One of the applications will be presented in this paper. It has been proved that the linkage is efficient and easy to use. {List only- not presented}

Abstract

In South Africa, the use of stochastic inputs in surface water resources assessments has become the norm while this is rarely done for groundwater resources. Studies that have applied multi-site and multi-variate methods that incorporate stochastic generation of groundwater levels are limited. Stochastic based inputs account for uncertainties attributed to inherent temporal and spatial variability of hydrologic variables and climatic conditions. This study applied variable length block (VLB) stochastic generator for simultaneous generation of multi-site stochastic time series of rainfall, evaporation and groundwater levels. In the study, 100 stochastic sequences with record length of 34 years (1980-2013), similar to the historic one were generated. Performance of VLB was assessed by comparing single statistics of historic time series located within box plots of the 100 annual and monthly stochastically generated time series. The statistics used include mean, median, 25th and 75th percentiles, lowest and highest values, standard deviation, skewness, and serial and cross correlation coefficients. Majority (9 out of 10) of the historical statistics were mostly well preserved by VLB, except for skewness. Historic highest groundwater levels were mostly underestimated. Historic statistics below interquartile range (overestimation) is a common problem of weather generators which can be reduced by including additional covariates that influence atmospheric circulation. The generation of multi-site stochastic sequences support realistic assessment of groundwater resources and generation of groundwater operating rules.

Abstract

Arsenic is a common contaminant typically found in effluent from gold mine operations and copper smelters throughout the world. The geochemical behaviour of arsenic in contact with dolomite underlying an arsenic containing waste rock pile was investigated. The interaction between the arsenic and the dolomite is an important control in the subsequent transport of the arsenic in the dolomitic aquifer. Rocks with varying dolomite content were tested to investigate the interaction between the arsenic and dolomite. From the modelling and test results it was estimated that in the aquifer, between 60 - 90% of arsenic is present in the solid phase under oxidation conditions at >50 mV. At 50 to -25 mV about 40 - 60% of the arsenic is estimated to be present in the solid phase and below -25 mV about 0 - 10% of arsenic will be present in the solid phase. Although some arsenic is removed by the dolomite in the aquifer the arsenic would still be present above acceptable guidelines for drinking water. The arsenic in the solid phase will be in equilibrium with the aquifer water and could be remobilised 1) under more reducing conditions or 2) with a decrease in arsenic in the aquifer.

Abstract

This paper presents data obtained from sampling and geochemical analysis of gold tailings and associated pool and drain water. Inverse geochemical modelling using PHREEQC indicated geochemical processes operating in the tailings between the pool and drains. These included pyrite oxidation and dissolution of various minerals identified in the tailings. The processes were incorporated into an ensemble geochemical model to calculate post-closure sulphate concentration in tailings seepage.

The ensemble model included a spreadsheet model to calculate oxygen flux at various depths in the tailings column, and a one-dimensional transport model in PHREEQC. The calculated oxygen flux was applied to each cell in the tailings column to determine the amount of sulphide oxidation and the release of acidity into the tailings pore water. The rate of vertical transport of pore water in the column was determined from physical characterisation of the tailings particle size and saturated hydraulic conductivity.

The model results indicate elevated sulphate concentrations and acidity moving as a front from the top of the column downwards. The modelled sulphate concentration of 1 500 to 1 900 mg/L 8-16 years after closure compared well with measurements of drain water quality at a tailings dam decommissioned approximately 16 years ago. This provided some credibility to the modelled result of 2 300 mg/L sulphate up to 50 years post-closure. However, the tailings moisture content, infiltration rate, and pyrite oxidation rate in the model were based on literature values, rather than site-specific measurements.

Abstract

The impact of the future closure of the KROPZ phosphate mine in the West Coast on the various potential receptors including the underlying Elandsfontein Aquifer System (EAS), Langebaan Lagoon (RAMSAR-site) and wetlands were assessed. This abstract/paper describes the geochemical characterization and management options related to the waste streams from the mining activity, to assess the post closure contribution to groundwater flow from the mine towards potential receptors. The PHREEQC geochemical modelling code was used to predict potential mine water impacts. The input water quality parameters used in the model included: background groundwater quality, pit water and processed water generated from phosphate separation process at the mine. Various scenarios were simulated combining the different process water streams with the tailings and soft stockpile material at the mine. The geochemical predictions showed some management options that should be prevented, while also providing guidance to promising options where most of the chemical parameters does not exceed the WUL stage 1 thresholds. There is however, an increase in sulphate concentrations that need attending to before the mine goes into production phase. Currently there seems to be no immediate concern on the Lagoon relating to the prediction of mine water impacts post mine closure. Some of the management scenarios do however show low levels of potential impacts on SANParks property 100 years post closure. These predictions do however correlate to areas where limited calibration data is available. At the time of this abstract the sites for new boreholes have been selected and the initial boreholes are being drilled to confirm aquifer properties in areas with limited data.

Abstract

In recent years acid mine drainage (AMD) has become the focus on many mine sites throughout the world. The Witwatersrand gold mines have been the main focus of AMD in South Africa due to their extensive impact on especially groundwater resources. The Witwatersrand Basin is a regional geological feature containing the world-famous auriferous conglomerate horizons. It is divided into sub-basins and the East Rand Basin is one of them. Due to the regional scale of the East Rand Basin AMD issues, a systems approach is required to provide a useful tool to understand the pollution source term and fate and transport dynamics and to aid in environmental decision making and to evaluate the geochemical impact of mitigation measures and evaluate future scenarios.
The numeric geochemical models, using a systems perspective, show that the mine waste facilities, specifically the tailings dams are significant contamination point sources in the East Rand Basin, specifically for acidity (low pH), SO4, Fe, Mn, U, Ni, Co, Al and Zn. When the AMD solution enters the soil beneath the tailings, ferrous and SO4 concentrations remain elevated, while Mn, U, Ni and Co and perhaps other metals are adsorbed. After ~50 years the pollution plume starts to break through the base of the soil profile and the concentration of the adsorbed metals increase in the discharging solution as the adsorption capacity of the soil becomes saturated. The pollution pulse then starts to migrate to the shallow groundwater where contamination of this resource occurs.
Toe seepage from the tailings either first reacts with carbonate, where acidity is neutralised to a degree and some metals precipitated from solution, where after it reaches the surface water drainage, such as the Blesbokspruit, where it is diluted. Some evaporation can occur, but evaporation only leads to concentration of acidity and dissolved constituents, thereby effectively worsening the AMD solution quality. The mixing models have shown that the dilution factor is sufficient to mitigate much of the AMD, although seasonal variability in precipitation and evapotranspiration is expected to have some influence on the mixing ratio and some variability in the initial solution will also be reflected in variation in surface water and groundwater quality.
{List only- not presented}

Abstract

Underground coal gasification (UCG) is an unconventional mining method that gasifies coal in situ to produce a synthetic gas that can be used for industrial purposes. This mining method is still to go commercial and one of the challenges to its sustainable development is the potential risk to groundwater pollution. There is therefore a need to quantify the environmental risks associated with UCG in order for authorities to regulate this emerging sector. The knowledge attained through this work has provided for a simple but comprehensive groundwater risk assessment of a spent UCG chamber via an integrated model. The model follows the source-pathway-receptor model where the sources are identified as ash, char, roof and floor. The risk to groundwater pollution is then assessed by subjecting these sources to the following tests; mineralogical and element analysis, petrography and chemical assessment, leaching tests and acid generation assessments. Groundwater was identified as the only natural medium that can access the spent geo-reactor and transport contaminants to secondary locations. The pathways that pollution from the UCG geo-reactor can be transmitted through were identified as; natural faults, heat induced fractures, boreholes, local aquifers. This research has laid a firm foundation in understanding groundwater contamination from UCG operations.

Abstract

The quality of groundwater is influenced by the chemistry of the rocks through which it migrates. The rock types in an area, particularly their weathered products and rainfall contribute greatly to the chemistry of groundwater. The present study examines the impact of bedrock on the chemistry of groundwater from shallow granite aquifers in Northern Nigeria. Groundwater samples from northeast (Hong), northwest (Zango) and Northcentral (Ogbomosho) were collected and analyzed for relevant water quality parameters. The concentration of fluoride (0.0-3.50) and some heavy metals such as iron (0.3-4.6), nickel (0.1-0.98), copper (0.0-.85), lead (0.001-0.4.0), Manganese (0.00-1.4) and arsenic (0.0-0.76) were slightly higher than their recommended maximum permissible limit in some locations and the observed anomalies can be attributed to geogenic influence as no visible industries are domiciled in these areas. Based on these signatures, the geochemical evolutions of groundwater from the three locations were quantitatively described by the interaction with rock-forming minerals released into the groundwater system through natural processes of weathering and dissolution in the flow-path. This is a testimony to the fact that groundwater can be grossly contaminated with critical elements by natural means. Analyses of rock samples from these locations revealed the presence of nacaphite, a fluoride rich mineral as well as arsenic, nickel, copper, lead and iron. The observed concentration ranges of fluoride and heavy metals are a reflection of the natural background concentration and a landmark in geochemical characterization of groundwater system in these areas. The enrichment trend is in the order of Zango > Hong > Ogbomosho. This implies that the granites in the area are composed of mineral containing these elements. Communities living in the granite/rhyolite dominated region where cases of fluorosis and heavy metal contamination have been observed should discontinue the use of groundwater from the area for domestic and drinking purposes. The Government should provide an alternative source of drinking water for the people.