Causes and Effects of Groundwater Depletion in Akaki Well Fields and Catchment Water Supply
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Date
2019-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The study focuses on causes and effects of groundwater depletion of the well fields in the Akaki
catchment. The catchment is known for its sources of many deep well water extraction areas developed
for the purpose of providing potable water supplies for the residents of Addis Ababa city. However,
research shows that due to high levels of water extraction, groundwater depletion, poor land use and land
cover practices in the Akaki catchment, the city is exposed to problems associated with a serious shortage
of water supplies.
The aim of this research is to identify the causes of ground water depletion and understand its impacts in
the catchment. By assessing geomorphology, vegetation, land use, land cover, urbanization, population
dynamics, temperature and precipitation.
The study uses qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. In particular, descriptive type of research
design and statistical trend analysis will be one of the main methods of this research to identify the major causes
of ground water depletion in the study area. The supply conditions of the study area were assessed using,
interviews the people and professional‘s, who works in water sectors.
Groundwater extraction greater than the replenish capacity of the well is one of the main factors that
affects the groundwater potential of the Akaki catchment. In addition, the study identified that changes of
land use land cover LULC, temperature increase, precipitation variability, urbanization and population
density are among other causes of exacerbating ground water depletion the area. From the land use land
cover (LULC) analysis, it can be concluded that Akaki catchment had experienced a significant change in
land use and land cover over the past three decades. The analysis shows that the rapid conversion of
forest, grassland and cultivated land covers to urban settlement
The two primary causes of depletion of water table identified in this study are deforestation and overpumping of groundwater. Despite the continuous decline in ground water level, there is no ground water
management policy and proper system of water conservation practices in the country. Finally the study
indicates there is a significant ground water scarcity in the catchment requiring immediate actions
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Keywords
Groundwater Depletion, Water Supply, LULC, Ground water recharge, Water scarcity, Akaki well field