Groundwater Exploration and Development in Basement Complex Area:

The groundwater potential of the basement complex area of southern Kaduna state has been investigated using a multidisciplinary approach. These include: basic geological, hydrogeological, geophysical and water quality analysis. The area is underlain by Precambrian migmatite gneiss, granite, shists and newer basalts. The results of geophysical survey using the electromagnetic (EM) and resistivity methods proved to be effective in locating and assessing regolith aquifers. Interpretation of the sounding curves obtained in the study area, suggests that the subsurface layering ranges from 3- 5 layers.The evaluation of hydrogeological borehole parameters gave borehole yield range of 25.9 - 1089m3/day with a mean value of 275m3/day. The specific capacity values ranged from 0.528 - 132.48m3/day/m. The value of transmissivity of the boreholes ranged from 0.359 to 101m2/day. The quality of water exhibits low total mineralization. The groundwater can be classified as Ca-Na-HCO3 fresh water. A survey of 52 existing boreholes showed that more than 60% were not functioning due lack of geophysical surveys, proper borehole design and maintenance.