Well and Formation Losses in Boreholes Constructed in a Weathered Crystalline Basement Aquifer in Nigeria

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Izinyon, O.C. | Anyata, B.U.

Affiliations: Department of Civil Engineering, University of Benin Benin City, Nigeria

Note: [] Corresponding author. E-mail: izinyon [email protected]

Abstract: In this paper, we present the results of a study on well and formation losses in three new public water supply boreholes drilled in a weathered granitic aquifer in Nigeria using data obtained from step drawdown tests conducted to assess the potential yields of the wells. Our results show a mean yield of 2.93 l/s for the three wells and this compares with values reported for similar formations in other regions of the world. Well losses increased with pumping rates for individual wells and contribute between 5.2% and 70.54% of the total drawdown of the wells studied. Recommendations for minimizing well losses and hence total pumping costs are made.

Keywords: Boreholes, weathered basement, well loss, formation loss, hydrogeology, well development, pumping test, yield

Journal: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 7-13, 2006