Assessment of Clear Wash Bores as Alternative Source of Irrigation Water for Fadama Areas of Kwara State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study adopted the experimental research design to find the alternative well designs and construction methods for ground water abstraction from fadama aquifers were investigated. Test and analysis of results for Soil particle Size distribution, infiltration; yield (pumping and recovery) textutre as well as recharge rates were conducted. Results showed that effect of well diameter of 750mm (75cm) on recharge was very minimal (11.15cm/hr). Permeability measurements of 9.74cm/hr indicated that surface water contributes immensely in the recharge of the aquifer (Calculated transmissirity and storativity of 1265.09m3/day and 7.91x10-3 respectively). The results of the aquifer and the textural class of the Soil (silty-clay-loam) shows yield potentials of the wash bore. Also, high variability in Soil Size fractions as revealed in the practical Size distribution analysis is an indication of likely variation in permeability and consequently, well recharge within the fadama. The clear water wash bore is feasible in Gapkan Fadama area.