ASSESSMENT OF SEASONAL VARIATION OF WATER AVAILABILITY IN HAND DUG WELLS OF LAPAI AND AGAIE, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study focused on the comparative analysis of bedrock correlation to water availability in hand-dug wells of Lapai and Agaie towns of Niger state. The objectiveof the study is to assess the seasonal variation of water availability in hand-dug wells of Lapai and Agaie during wet and dry season. A systematic sampling method was used to collect data for this study. The t-test distribution statistical method was employed to compare the seasonal variation between the bedrocks. A total of twenty wells were sampled and readings were recorded from the study area during the wet and dry season. Data were collected through the general study of the area, oral interviews, general observations, measurement of water wells through the use of ropes and measuring tapes; locations and elevation of the wells were taken through the use of a GPS. Results show that the average water depths in wells of Lapai are shallower (both wet and dry seasons) than those at Agaie with an average depth of 17.311m (Lapai wet), 21.88m (lapai dry) and 24.56m (Agaie wet) and 34.73m (Agaie dry) respectively. The variation in water depths are higher during the wet season at both Lapai and Agaie than during the dry season. It is suggested that alternative source of water be provided to meet the demand of the growing population of the study area and reduce scarcity especially during the dry season.