Vertical electrical sounding survey for groundwater exploration for rural water supply in parts of Ketu South in the Volta Region of Ghana

Abstract

Hydrogeological investigations and geophysical surveys are important methods in many subsurface characterization studies. This work examines the importance of geophysical surveys in the construction and development of boreholes to provide portable drinking water to rural communities. The paper discusses the interpretation of subsurface features that can be used to assist in the evaluation of groundwater resources in a typical rural area. Lack of infrastructure in these areas is a constraint on borehole drilling due to limited subsurface data availability. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) stations were established to investigate the subsurface geology and aquifer potentials in the study area. VES technique was performed by measuring the resistivity change with depth. The resistivity measurements were conducted using ABEM SAS 100C Terrameter by using Schlumberger electrode configuration. The hydrogeological information obtained by the methods discussed in this paper can be used as estimates of the depth of groundwater, aquifer geology, and recharge and discharge zones. The objective of the study was to provide guidelines with sufficient data and information to evaluate borehole options and future borehole drilling and development campaigns in typical rural settings