Investigaton of Ground Water Potentiality in Obasanjo Quarters Damaturu, Yobe State

Abstract

Groundwater is the most utilized source of domestic potable water in Damaturu metropolis of Yobe State, Nigeria as a result of the paucity of surface water resources, which, due to climate variability, population increase and higher anthropogenic activities, are depleting over time. This study, therefore, assessed the groundwater potential of Obasanjo Quarters, Damaturu for zoning appropriate areas for sustainable borehole siting. A total of Seven (7) Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) lines, performed using the Schlumberger array, were used to characterize subsurface geoelectric layers in the study area and to delineate aquiferous targets. Interpreted resistivity data shows several geoelectric layers, mainly inter-bedded sands, clays, silt and sandy clay lenses characteristic of the Chad Formation with unconfined and confined aquifer conditions across many sounding points. This is supported by the curve types of K, KH and mainly A-types generated from the sounding data, which show good hydrogeological conditions across the study area. However, several VES points had low resistivity layer at depth of ~80 m to ~350 m and interpreted as saturated layers with high groundwater potential and suggested drilling depth of 90 ± 5 m to 350 ± 5 m. The study therefore confirms that Obasanjo Quarters has exploitable groundwater bearing formations, and therefore, can support domestic and municipal water supply. This result provides basis for informed drilling of boreholes and for sustainable groundwater management in Damaturu metropolis, where water table is on the decline and reported cases of borehole failures are rife in recent times.

Introduction

Groundwater is a vital natural resource that occurs beneath the Earth’s surface within saturated soils and rock formations known as aquifers. It is widely regarded as one of the most reliable and hygienic sources of water due to its natural filtration, good chemical quality, and protection from surface pollutants. Because of its widespread availability, low development cost, drought reliability, and suitability for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use, groundwater plays a crucial role in supporting human health, economic development, and ecological sustainability worldwide.

The occurrence and availability of groundwater depend largely on geology, geomorphology, rainfall, and climatic conditions. In basement complex terrains, groundwater is mainly stored in weathered zones, fractures, and fissures within crystalline rocks, often resulting in limited and uneven groundwater potential. In contrast, sedimentary formations composed of sands and sandstones—such as the Chad, Benin, and Abeokuta formations in Nigeria—generally have higher groundwater potential. Rainfall is the primary source of groundwater recharge, especially in semi-arid regions, making groundwater resources highly sensitive to climate variability.

In Nigeria, rapid population growth, urban expansion, industrialization, and climate change have placed increasing pressure on groundwater resources. Semi-arid areas such as Damaturu, located within the Chad Basin, rely heavily on groundwater due to the scarcity of surface water. Declining rainfall, rising temperatures, frequent droughts, and over-extraction have led to falling water tables, reduced borehole yields, and cases of groundwater contamination. Improper borehole siting and outdated groundwater data have further contributed to borehole failures and water scarcity.

Geophysical methods, particularly the electrical resistivity method using Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES), have proven effective for groundwater exploration, especially in hard-rock and basement terrains. Numerous studies across Nigeria have demonstrated the usefulness of resistivity surveys in identifying aquifer depth, thickness, and potential zones for sustainable groundwater development.

The study focuses on evaluating groundwater potential in the New Jerusalem area of Damaturu Metropolis to address increasing water demand, borehole failures, and declining groundwater quality. The research employs electrical resistivity surveying with a Schlumberger array configuration to investigate subsurface layers and identify viable aquifer zones. The findings are intended to support efficient groundwater management, guide future borehole development, and improve access to safe and sustainable water supply in Damaturu and similar semi-arid regions.

Conclusion

The geophysical investigation conducted in obasonjo quarters has successfully delineated areas with significant groundwater potential. Through the application of methods such as electrical resistivity sounding, we identified subsurface layers with promising aquifer characteristics. This finding is crucial for guiding future groundwater exploration and borehole drilling in the region. The study revealed that certain zones within the study area exhibit higher groundwater potential, particularly in regions of lower resistivity values, which correspond to saturated subsurface formations. These areas are likely to provide a reliable source of groundwater, essential for supporting the water needs of Obasanjo area growing population and other activities.The effectiveness of the geophysical method employed was validated by the consistency of the results with existing hydrogeological data. In conclusion, this project has provided a comprehensive assessment of the groundwater potential in obasanjo quarters, offering valuable insights for water resources management and planning in the region. The outcomes of this investigations will play a vital role in enhancing the water security of that area and its soundings.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Habib Umar Badiya, Amina Jafri, Muhammad Ibrahim Muhammad, Fatima Shuaib Yakub, Mustapha Umar Badiya, Ali Mai Boyoma. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.