COMPARATIVE 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 bedrocks within a period of time and then prepared water table contour maps for Minna and Bida. Data for the study were collected through 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 GPS and taking the readings of the physical parameters through the use of TDS meter. A total of forty sampling points were tested; twenty sampling points in Minna (both rainy and dry season) and twenty sampling points in Bida (both rainy and dry season). Results show that the average water depths in the wells of Minna are shallower (both in rainy and dry season) than those of Bida. The variations in water depths are higher during the wet season at both Bida and Minna.Provision for alternative reliable source of water should be made available to complement the wells in the Sedimentary Basins especially during the dry season.