Analysis of Ground Water Availability in Hand-Dug Wells of Minna and Bida Metropolis

Abstract

The study takes a look at the analysis of groundwater availability in hand-dug wells in Minna and Bida, Niger State. The study analyzed the bedrock factors between the Basement Complex (Minna) and Sedimentary (Bida), described the seasonal variation of the bedrock within a period and then prepared water table contour maps for Minna and Bida. Data for the study were collected through a general study of the area, measurement of the well depth through the use of ropes and measuring tapes, location and elevation of wells through the use of a Global Positioning System (GPS), and taking readings of the physical parameters through the use of a Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) meter. A total of forty sampling points were tested; twenty sampling points in Minna (both rainy and dry seasons) and twenty sampling points in Bida (both rainy and dry seasons). Results show that the average water depths in the wells of Minna are shallower (both in the rainy and dry seasons) than those of Bida. The variations in water depths are higher during the wet season at both Bida and Minna. Provision for an alternative, reliable sources of water should be made available to complement the wells in the Sedimentary basins especially during the dry season.