Yikaalo

Geological and Hydrogeological Groun
Central Zone, Wereda Adwa, Tabia Mai-Tium, Tigray, Ethiopia
MEHARI G/YOHANNES WATER RESOURCE CONSULTANCY FIRM

2023 Tel. +251966223562; Mekelle, Tigray
6/7/2023
Geological and Hydrogeological Ground Water Investigation for Debrichi Animal Farming Plc
Table of Contents
List of Tables........................................................................................................................................3
List of figures.......................................................................................................................................3
1. GENERAL......................................................................................................................................4
1.1 Location and accessibility................................................................................................................5
1.2 Objectives of the Study...................................................................................................................5
1.3 Methodology and Materials used.................................................................................................6
1.5 Climate and hydrology..........................................................................................................................7
2.1 Regional Geology....................................................................................................................................8
2.2 Local Geology........................................................................................................................................10
3.0 HYDROGEOLOGY......................................................................................................................11
3.1 Hydro lithology.....................................................................................................................................11
3.1.2 Dolerites..............................................................................................................................................12
3.2 Hydrogeological setting.......................................................................................................................12
3.3. Recharge - Discharge Conditions.......................................................................................................12
3.3.1. Groundwater Recharge....................................................................................................................13
3.4 Structural Setting..................................................................................................................................13
3.4.1 Conductive Fractures....................................................................................................................14
4. HYDRO GEOPHYSICS...................................................................................................................17
5. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSEMENT REPORT............................18
5.1 Potential Environmental and Social Impacts of the Proposed Project...........................................18
5.2 Impact on Surface and Groundwater.................................................................................................19
5.2.1 Temporary Interruption of water supply.............................................................................19
Deterioration of Water Quality.............................................................................................................19
Increase of Noise Level, air pollution and dust..................................................................................19
Health and Sanitation Issues.................................................................................................................20
6. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION...........................................................................22
6.1 Conclusion............................................................................................................................................22
6.2 Recommendation.................................................................................................................................22
Annex 1: Bill of Quantities for Drilling and Pumping Test.....................................................25
Annex 2: - Technical specifications for drilling..........................................................................26
1 Mehari G/Yohannes Water Resource Consultancy firm, Tel: +251924148865/ 251966223562, Mekelle, Tigray
1. Scope........................................................................................................................................................26
2. Personnel and Drilling Equipment....................................................................................................26
3. Mobilization and Demobilization......................................................................................................26
4. Well Drilling..........................................................................................................................................26
5.0 Material Supply...................................................................................................................................27
5.1 General..............................................................................................................................................27
5.2 Screen and Blind Casing.....................................................................................................................27
6.0 Gavel Pack.............................................................................................................................................28
7.0 Verticality and Alignment (Plumbness of the Well).....................................................................29
8.0 Well Development and Cleaning......................................................................................................29
9.0 Well Head Construction.....................................................................................................................29
10.0 Well Testing (Pumping Test)...........................................................................................................29
11.0 Water Sampling and Quality Analysis..........................................................................................30
12.0 Data Collection and Recording.......................................................................................................30
13.0 Technical Report................................................................................................................................32
List of Tables
Table 1 Location of selected site for drilling................................................................................................17
Table 2 Selected site with recommended depth of drilling......................................................................23
List of figures
Figure 1 Location map of the selected site..............................................................................................5
Figure 2 Generalized stratigraphy of the Mekelle Basin and Northern Ethiopia flood basalt province;
From Arkin et al. (1971), Beyth (1972b), and Merla et al. (1979).......................................................10
Figure 3 Location map of the selected site............................................................................................16
1. GENERAL
Water is one of the essential requirements for life. All living things need water for their
survival. Water is used in many ways: for domestic purposes, in industry, in commercial
establishments (such as animal farmings and restaurants), in farming (for agriculture and
animal-rearing), for emergency uses such as fire-fighting and gardening to develop
greenery land. And the need for water is strongly ascending from time to time. Any
developmental activity is related, either directly or indirectly, with water utilization.
Debrichi Animal Farming Plc is a modern animal farming plant which is located in central
zone, Adwa wereda Tabia Mai-Tium.
Ground water use has fundamental importance to meet for the project based on the
availability of adequate amount of water that will be needed for water supply, for toilet,
bath, and laundry and to develop greenery with in the compound of the animal farming
especially in arid areas where surface water is scarce and seasonal.
Debrichi Animal Farming Plc is looking for potential groundwater development sites so as
to fulfill its demand of good quality of water supply for the Animal farming. Based on the
agreement made between Debrichi Animal Farming Plc and Mehari G/Yohannes Water
Resource Consultancy firm, hydrogeological work has been conducted to assess the
possibility of getting groundwater potential within the Animal farming compound area.
Following the completion of Geological study, a hydrogeological investigation was

designed with the ultimate objective of locating well site for the potable water supply of
the target site.
This report mainly covers the hydrogeological setting and aquifer systems of the study
area, and detail review of previous studies is also part of the report and is addressed at
the start of the report immediately after the introductory topics. Final conclusion and
recommendations are addressed at the end of the report while drilling specification
details are also attached to this report.
1.1 Location and accessibility
The target area of the study is located in Tigray Regional State, centeral zone, Adwa wereda,
Mai-Tium tabia, at about 7 kilometers south west of Adwa town. The selected deep well site
is located at point UTM values of 487180 E, 1559803 N and elevation of 1835 m a.s.l.
Figure 1 Location map of the selected site
1.2 Objectives of the Study
The general objective of the study is to investigate the potential of groundwater and thereby
to locate the best promising site for water well drilling within the compound of the animal
farming. The specific objectives of the study are: -
 To carryout detailed field geological and hydrogeological investigation
 To perform Environmental and social Impact assessment related with the well
 To prepare appropriate technical specifications and Bill of Quantities for drilling and
construction of the borehole and to give further recommendations and conclusion.
1.3 Methodology and Materials used
Prior to the field survey previous water well drilling reports and other hydrogeological
reports in the area were reviewed in office. This pre-field work consists of;
 Review of previously conducted geophysical and hydrogeological studies
 Collection of data of previously drilled wells in the area
 Interpretation of topographic maps and satellite images
The field work includes traverse on geology and hydrogeology of the area and water points
inventory in selected points near the animal farming.
Important materials and equipment were used during the hydrogeological investigation.
These are:
 Topographical map of scale 1:50,000 as base map to see the drainages, settlement and
other features.
 Google earth, Arcview, Global mapper 8.
 GPS to locate the different geographic points.
1.3.1. Methodology
The Hydrogeologic investigation of the study area begins with the collection, analysis and
integration of geological and hydrogeological data, satellite images, digital elevation
models, geologic logs of wells drilled in the surrounding areas and hydrogeological
reports and other relevant information in the area. These data are organized and
integrated in a way suitable for interpretation and to have preliminary insight on the
hydrogeological setting of the area.
These secondary data were supplemented by geological field reconnaissance to visualize
and conceptualize the hydrodynamics and water quality of the target areas
groundwater resources. Lithological and structural setting of the area, stratigraphic and
geologic history, the continuity and interconnection of aquifers, the nature and thickness
of overlying beds, depth of water bearing formations and aquifer boundaries were
delineated with classical hydrogeological methods. Following the development of
conceptual model, detail water point inventory with water level measurement and water
quality parameters (Electrical conductivity, PH and Temperature) measurements were

collected. Geophysical investigation was also conducted at recommended site by
the client to supplement hydrogeological investigation. Environmental impact
assessment is conducted to assure the sustainability of the well and to recommend
mitigation measures.
Based on these findings potential water well drilling sites was selected; design criteria
were established and specification and bill of quantities were prepared
1.4. GEOMORPHLOGY OF THE STUDY AREA

The study area is found with the Mai-Tium sub-catchments. It is characterized by gently
sloping limestone-shale intercalation and flat topography covered by clay soil.
Generally, the altitude of the study area varies from 1810 to 1990m above mean sea
level.
Topographically, the target catchment is surrounded by plain morphological unit in all
direction except mountains toward North West direction. Apart from this moderately gentle
morphology that gradually changes to flat dominate the central and downstream parts of
the target catchment. With regard to the catchment characteristics, the well site is
characterized by large catchment area, moderate drainage density.
Topographically, the target catchment surrounded by geological structure that runs from
NE-SW. The weak zone located near to the site has great effect in development of structures
and fractures during eruption which result in the development of fractures which have the
power in retaining good ground potential around the area.
1.5 Climate and hydrology

According to the Koeppen”s climate classification method (climate classification of
Ethiopia, by Lemma Gonfa, NMSA, No. 3, May 1996), that identifies the mean climatic
types and year to year fluctuations based on the available records of temperature and
rainfall, the project area s falls in semi-arid climate zone. Its distinct dry months are from
September to May. The mean annual rainfall ranges from 410 to 820mm and the
temperature ranges from 180 to 270C. Generally, the area has a semi-arid climate with little
or no variation within the area. Average daily temperature is 240C to 280C in January.
Maximum daily temperature may go as high as 30 0 C. Mean annual temperature ranges
from 150 to 160C cover the central part. There are two rainy seasons, March to April and
June to September. Most of the annual rainfall occurs during July and august.
1.6 Soil
Soil cover is observed in the area is thick in nature varying in thickness with topography
from 2 meter to 5.0 meter. The soil is in situ in nature developed from the limestone- shale
intercalation with black and light yellowish in color.
2. GEOLOGY
2.1 Regional Geology

The oldest rocks covering our region are part of the low-grade green schist fancies which are
considered to be part of the Arabian Nubian Shield. The oldest portion of those basement
rocks have been identified as Tsaliet group. And the other metamorphic rocks overlaying
this sequence (from the oldest to the youngest) are the Tembien group, pre-syn tectonic
intrusives, Didikama formation, Sheraro formation, and Mathios formation (Levitte (1970),
Kazmin (1972), Kazmin et al. (1978), and Garland (1980). Those basement rocks comprise
basic to acidic metavolcanics, different types of metasediments, deformed ultra-basic and
Gabbroic rocks, and pre-syn tectonic granitoids.Post tectonic granites are also commonly
found intruding the basement complex.
The Paleozoic rocks of the Enticho sandstone and the Edaga Arbi glacial are the other rock
units found above the basement rocks (Dow et al., 1971), and Garland (1972).The Mesozoic
rocks of the Adigrat sandstone, Antalo limestone, Agula‘e shale, and Amba Aradom
sandstone are the other rock units found in upward sequence above the Paleozoic rocks
(Blanford, 1870), Dow et al., 1971; Garland, 1980, Mohr (1963), Beyth (1971), Kazmin (1972
& 1975)).The Tertiary basalt is overlaying the Mesozoic sediments which are assumed to be
erupted fissurally during the early and middle tertiary ages (Bosellini et al, 1997). Moreover,
numerous sub intrusives of dolerite; trachyte, phonolite, syanite, and micro granite occur
throughout the region. And the most recent deposits are the quaternary sediments
accumulated with different thicknesses in the region in different sub basins and troughs.
The Adigrat Sandstone in Mekelle outlier is described as Triassic to Collovian in age and
fluviatile in origin (Bosellini et al., 1997). It has variable thickness ranging from about 80 m
to 700 m (Beyth, 1972). It is mostly massive and thickly bedded with frequently observed
cross-bedding.
The Antalo Limestone is largely composed of limestone, marls and shales constituting a
classical depositional sequence on a gently sloping ramp of Neoproterozoic shield during
Jurassic transgression which was punctuated by periodic regression. The boundary between
the Adigrat Sandstone and the overlying Antalo Limestone is transitional, marked by the
occurrence of 20 to 30 m thick shale, calcarenite and sandstone. The Agula Shale is the
upper marly part of the carbonate succession which includes some shale but mostly marl
stone, coquinoid limestone, quartz sandstone and gypsum. The boundary between
Antalo and Agula formations is transitional and arbitrary. The thickness of Agula Shale is
estimated, at least locally, to be 300 m and its deposition is the result of a regional regression
towards the end of Jurassic and beginning of Cretaceous (Bosellini et al., 1997).
The Amba Aradem Formation (also called ‗Upper Sandstone ‘) is the youngest Mesozoic
unit, Late Cretaceous, which unconformably overlies the Agula Shale and is overlain by
Tertiary Trap basalts (Danielli, 1943).
In the course of the development of parts of the Great East African Rift System in Ethiopia, a
variety of continental sedimentary basins were developed since Miocene. In the Afar
Depression, sediments originating from the rapid erosion of the steep escarpments together
with abundant volcanic products tended to fill the depression but tectonic deepening was
more rapid than volcano-sedimentary infilling. Moreover, the nature of the sediments was
dependent on whether the basins are marginal or axial. Evaporite beds have also been
formed during the restricted marine invasion of the northern Afar Depression (Danakil
Depression). Plio-Pleistocene fluvo-lacustrine sediments are also widespread in the
Ethiopian Rift. In the MER, lacustrine sedimentation is wide spread during the pluvial
periods of the Quaternary. The present Rift Valley Lakes are therefore remnants of larger
ancestral lakes, which covered most parts of the developing rift floor (EIGS, 1996).
Figure 2 Generalized stratigraphy of the Mekelle Basin and Northern Ethiopia flood basalt province;
From Arkin et al. (1971), Beyth (1972b), and Merla et al. (1979)
2.2 Local Geology
In general, the dominant rock units observed in most parts of the project area include
Mesozoic sedimentary formations (Quaternary alluvial deposit, shale, and limestone and
dolerite intrusion). The alluvial deposit is mostly exposed in low lands and valley deposits.
The limestone unit covers most of the target area and mainly exists intercalated with shale
formation. The limestone unit is the main aquifer formation in the area especially where it is
disturbed by dolerite seals and dikes. The Dolerite intrusive exists as seals and dykes and it
covers most parts of the Adwa fault line in the northern side of the study area.
3.0 HYDROGEOLOGY
The two basic factors that generally determine the groundwater potential of any region or
area are geo-structural conditions and hydrometeorology. The geo-structural factors
determine the capacity of rocks and soils (aquifers) to store water. The geo-structural factors
are composed of lithological units (rock type and mineral composition), structural units
(faults, fractures, fissures, porosity) and geomorphologic features. Hydro-meteorological
factors are treated all components of hydrologic cycle with special emphasis to sources of
groundwater replenishment.
The Hydro-lithological units in the study area could be broadly classified as the thin
Alluvial Aquifers and major sedimentary aquifers. The alluvial aquifers have mainly
occupied the shallow depth of weathering products of limestone, dolerite and river deposits
of along the relatively low land area, where as the sedimentary, mainly limestone aquifers
constitute the remaining part. This physiographic subdivision sometimes excepted by a
presence of patches of alluvial deposit in and around some river valleys.
3.1 Hydro lithology
The hydro-lithological units of the catchment under the study have been sub divided
following similar units with geological set up. This is because of the fact that the geology is
the determining factor together with the observed structure for the hydrogeology of the
areas. Accordingly, the hydro-lithological units are discussed here under this section.
3.1.1 Alluvial Aquifers
Unconsolidated quaternary sediments are found covering the flat terrain underlying by
Mesozoic sedimentary rocks. The thickness of this deposit in the Mai-Tium outlier ranges
from 3 to 12 meters, especially in the main river flood plains. In areas where coarser
sediments are deposited these sediments are saturated and permeable for the groundwater
movement to yield water freely to wells. In general, Alluvials along the margins of the
major rivers in Mai-Tium outlier are the most common shallow groundwater aquifers which
can be tapped by larger diameter hand dug wells for irrigation and shallow wells for water
supply. Their productivity varies from place to place depending on their grain size, sorting,
and thickness.
3.1.2 Dolerites
In most of the area’s dolerites occur as sill and dykes intruding the limestone and shale. It is
mainly distributed at the North, Northwest and West of Adwa town. The dolerite is in the
most case fresh and massive to be considered as aqauiclude. The groundwater is confined
by massive and fresh dolerites.
3.2 Hydrogeological setting
As discussed by Hussien (2000), the limestone unit has a hydraulic conductivity of ranging
from 29mday-1 to 74mday-1. The highest permeability is at the contact between limestone
and dolerite attributed to intense fracturing by the effect of dolerite intrusion.
According to Beyth (1972), the major faults in the area are divided into two groups: NW
trending faults (supposed to be late Jurassic to early Cretaceous age), NE to NE- SW
trending faults associated with the rifting phase. Borehole logs and field descriptions of
previous works indicate that the main aquifers in the area are the limestone unit and
weathered and fractured dolerite. The works of Hussien (2000) and Yehdego (2003) confirm
that the main aquifer in the area is limestone. The limestone is commonly outcropped with
inter-beds of shale-marl intercalation.
3.3. Recharge - Discharge Conditions

Groundwater possesses energy mainly by virtue of its elevation (elevation or gravitational
head) and of its pressure (pressure head). Groundwater also can possess kinetic energy by
virtue of its movement, but usually this energy is negligibly small because of ground
water ‘s low velocities. Groundwater moves from regions of higher energy to regions of
lower energy. Gravity due to elevation differences is the predominant driving force in
groundwater movement. Under natural conditions, groundwater moves downhill‖ until it
reaches the land surface, such as at a spring, or the root zone. Therefore, groundwater
moves from inter stream (higher) areas toward streams or the coast (lower areas). Except for
minor surface irregularities, the slope of the land surface also is toward streams or the coast.
Based on their relative position in space, three distinct types of flow systems have been
recognized (Toth, 1963, 1999).
(1) A local system, which has its recharge area at a topographic high and its discharge area
at the immediately adjacent topographic low;
(2) An intermediate system, which is characterized by one or more topographic highs and
lows located between its recharge and discharge areas; and
(3) A regional system, which has its recharge area at the major topographic high and its
discharge area at the bottom of the basin.
3.3.1. Groundwater Recharge
Groundwater recharge is defined as the entry into the saturated zone of water made
available at the water table surface together with the associated flow away from the water
table within the saturated zone (Freeze, 1979). There are many sources of recharge to
groundwater systems. These include recharge from precipitation, rivers, irrigation losses,
urban water sources and inter- aquifer flows.
According WWDSE (2006) the main recharge in the study area is from rainwater, perennial
stream and seasonal floods generated from the ridges in the area and additional the lower
aquifer receives recharge from the surrounding catchments. WWDSE (2006) based on the
drilling data, geophysics and well logging data, the aquifer in the area is classified into two
layers with an aquiclude in between.
Teklay (2006) concluded from his monthly water balance model and river discharge
measurement analysis that, the main source of groundwater recharge to the well field is
from direct rainfall in the catchment area and groundwater inflow from the surrounding
aquifer.
Based on the geomorphologic setup and the geological conditions of the area the recharged
water may leave the catchment through preferential paths or may get additional water from
adjacent catchments. This phenomenon could be happened in the basin since there are
major and minor geological structures-oriented NE-SW, E-W, and N-S.
3.4 Structural Setting

The most spectacular structural features within the study area are the escarpments
associated with range-bounding faults along the north, northeast, and southern side of the
study area. Other prominent faults are oriented in more or less east-west direction. The
hydrologic effects of faulting result from either fault- caused juxtaposition of rocks with
contrasting hydrologic properties or from the physical characteristics of the fault zones
themselves that may cause specific parts of the fault zone to act either as a conduit or barrier
to flow. Where faults are open and transmissive, they can directly influence flow rates and
groundwater velocities within the faulted zone; alternatively, the fault may influence the
flow field in a region surrounding or enveloping the faulted zone. The following factors
bear on the influence a fault zone has on the local flow field: (a) the dimensions and
character of the fault core and damage zones; (b) the type of rocks present on both sides of
the fault; and (c) orientation of the fault with respect to the modern-day stress field.
Faults can be important features in controlling groundwater flow. A fault can facilitate
groundwater flow by acting as a conduit or preferential flow path, or it can impede
groundwater flow where hydrogeologic units of differing hydraulic conductivity become
juxtaposed. Structural deformation is greatest in the northern and northeastern parts of the
study area, where vertical and overturned beds are evident. Secondary openings created by
faults, shear zones, fractures, and, in the carbonate rocks, karst solution features, largely
determine the water-transmitting properties of the dolerite intrusive- and carbonate-rock
aquifers. The aquifers in the study area are stratigraphically and structurally heterogeneous,
causing large variations in the ability to store and transmit water.
Topography, recharge, and large-scale geologic structures control the depth to groundwater
and the regional groundwater flow directions in the study area. Besides to primary
intergranular porosity and permeability, intersecting faults and lineaments with associated
conjugate joints and fractures in Limestone aquifer created conditions suitable for storage
and movement of groundwater, and groundwater circulation within and between the faults
and lineaments was likely limited by low permeability gouge along faults and lineaments.
3.4.1 Conductive Fractures
Fissures and fractures in the area can be highly conductive and store and convey significant
volumes of water. The fractures of the study area are a concrete expression of the shear-
opening activity caused by the fault system. They convey significant groundwater quantities
both horizontally and vertically underground, and discharge from deep aquifers towards
the surface.
Structural development (faulting and fracturing) has resulted in secondary permeability

that greatly influences the movement of groundwater in the aquifer. Shallow boreholes and
wells can be drilled successfully into the narrow faults and fractures. In addition to
indicating shallow groundwater potential, fractures can also indicate the presence of deeper
aquifers in a specific geomorphologic context. However, assessing the total overall
potential of groundwater of these fractures would be futile to predict since this would
require field data from each individual fracture.
3.4.2 Well inventory and Well Interference
Well interference mean interaction of operating water wells drilled from the surface to one
productive stratum or two different but hydro dynamically connected strata. And occurs
when the operation of one well cause an adverse effect on the operation of another adjacent
well. Typically, well interference is noted as a significant drop in the water level of adjacent
well such that the well can no longer be operated on sustainable basis.
The geological and hydrogeological data obtained from these previous works or drilled
wells shows that the groundwater potential of the area is relatively good. The target
area is covered by geological formations consisting of Limestone, Shale and dolerite.
From well inventory around the area there are wells drilled located by far from the selected
site and have no well interference effect on the proposed site. Figure 3 shows the location of
the borehole site with the surrounding futures.
Figure 3 Location map of the selected site
4. HYDRO GEOPHYSICS
The knowledge of the geology in an area is an important constraint on many aspects of
geophysics. Conversely, geophysical data often provide constraints on the interpretation of
the geological information seen at the surface. The interaction of both disciplines, therefore,
usually brings the best results.
Geophysical data complement direct characterization data by providing a denser grid of

subsurface measurements than is obtainable from core point measurements or from volume
–averaged pump test measurements alone. And due to the morphological set up of the area,
the construction within the compound, the space, the asphalt road and high-tension
electrical cables near the animal farming made very complex to perform geophysical
investigation within the compound as well as outside the compound. Due to the above
constraints the major activities done for identification of potential water resources were,
collecting, organizing analyzing and evaluation of pervious geological, hydrogeological
data’s and remote sensing materials (topographic map, satellite imagery, DEM) to identify
major geological units and structures ; collection of related data like feasibility study around
the site , drilled bore hole date around the target area, interviewing and carrying out
discussion with the localities and concerned officials, conducting geo-traverse to understand
the geological and morphological set up including drainage pattern and soil type; surface
water impoundments and general hydrogeological features of the area.
Accordingly, one potential site was selected with UTM values of N 1559803, E 487180 with
an elevation of 1835 a.s.l.
Table 1 Location of selected site for drilling
Northing Easting Elevation Recommended depth (m) Datum used
1559803 487180 1835 220 Adindan Zone 37N
5. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSEMENT REPORT
5.1 Potential Environmental and Social Impacts of the Proposed Project

 Some of the positive impacts of Debrichi Animal Farming Plc deep well water project
is will solve some for an ever-increasing demand of clean and potable deep well
water in the animal farming service and for greenery land.
 The community in a defined area, near side of the project will be supported through
providing tape water if critical problem of shortage water encountered within the
community by the proponent.
 The project can create brief employment opportunity for semiskilled and unskilled
labor force of the area and helps in generating income that can support their
livelihood. In addition, the operation phase also expected to create job for some semi-
skilled individuals on management of water supply system like electrician to control
the motor house and the pump and gardener for the greenery land.
 The project area there is no ecologically sensitive area to be affected by the project
activities. Construction of the proposed project will take place within the compound
of the animal farming. Hence the proposed project has no adverse effect on wildlife,
wild habitat, and other aquatic ecology as well as on the overall terrestrial
environment.
 Since, the selected site is within the compound of the animal farming there will not
be any impact on local people in terms of displacement.
 There are no documented and observed archeological and religious resources at the
site.
 No underground septic lines, drainage pipes, telex fiber lines and water supply pipes
within the project area.
5.2 Impact on Surface and Groundwater

Unsustainable exploitation of ground water for bulk production and supply might result in
depletion or noticeable seasonal reduction and fall of ground water table in the long-term.
But short-term fluctuations in groundwater levels are normal and do not necessarily
indicate that the sustainable yield has been exceeded.
Lowering the groundwater table by only a few meters adversely affects existing users of
groundwater whether it is required for drinking water for humans and animals or to sustain
plant life of especially at dry times of the year. Deep well waters are fed by groundwater
and will finally dry up if the level fall likewise the flow regime of rivers also reduced.
Hence, the annual pumping volume has to be monitored seriously that it is in accordance
with the aquifer annual refill. As the project proponent is very cautious and will arrange a
sustainable means to use and manage the deep well water source with the suggestion of
experts to avoid over pumping and increase recharging, the impact will appear less
significant.
5.2.1 Temporary Interruption of water supply

At the Deep well water source point field proposed for the project, there is no probability of
affecting the existing shallow water source in the area.
Deterioration of Water Quality

Groundwater is very sensitive and may be polluted irreversibly unless recommended safety
measures put in place during drilling, rehabilitation and construction activities. The
proposed project need care during drilling to take measures to prevent incursion of shallow
and upper aquifers with septic tank or latrine by locating the well by far from septic tank
and grouting up to 16mts depth by concrete fill.
Increase of Noise Level, air pollution and dust

The noise impact during construction is expected to be negative but short term. Sources of
noise will be trucks in transit, heavy duty machinery and use of compressor to break hard
ground. Impacts of noise include noise-induced hearing loss and/or nuisance for the project
workers and accordingly, this impact will not be significant for all working field areas sub-
projects, so it appears certain and of minor importance for these working zone sub-projects.
And use water while drilling is in progress till water strike and Avoid construction activities
causing nuisance and noise during night time.
Health and Sanitation Issues

Health risks could result from stagnant water while using for greenery land around water
points may result in breeding of mosquitoes and for, dust and emissions and also from
occupational hazards during construction activities in settlement area. The introduction of
this project in to the area will not have any contribution in the malaria problem because the
main objective of the extractable water is for domestic use and for greenery purpose by
avoiding stagnant water and by draining borrow pits.
Social considerations
All infrastructures installations including electric and tell line that pass through and along
the main asphalt road and the site have to be carefully considered before the
commencement of the project
The water to be pumped out during drilling and pumping test should be conveyed to
drainage canal down through the road where available in a manner that could not disturb
the local community and institutions. The sort of material and mechanism devised to be
installed to completely convey the whole water to be pumped out for such extended period
of time without disturbing the locality.
6. Mitigation measures for possible environmental and social impact of this project
The expected temporary sound and dust pollution during the drilling process will be
minimized, especially the dust by using water from external sources until the first
water strike of the well.
The water to be pumped out during drilling and pumping test activities should be
conveyed to the drainage canal found downstream of the drilling site without
c h e m i c a l s that can have adverse impacts on the health of local communities
and downstream area will be used during drilling of the target site disturbing the
local people and infrastructure of the area.
Materials which are not free of any contamination with chemicals that can have
a potential to contaminate or pollute the groundwater should be avoided during
installation of the drilling and system installation of the site.
Complete grouting of the upper formation of the well with cement up to the depths
indicated in the BOQ of the investigation document is mandatory to avoid any
contamination of the well and groundwater as a whole by any underground
contaminants.
Construction of standard well head, indicated in the BOQ of this investigation
document, is mandatory to avoid any infiltration of effluents that can pollute the
groundwater of the area.
As the area where the site is located is near to buildings, care must be taken during
drilling of the well to avoid any disturbance to the nearby structures.
All the above recommendation and consideration should be addressed properly
before proceeding to the next step during drilling and system installation activities
of the target water supply project.
6. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
6.1 Conclusion
As the field survey on geology and hydrogeology indicates, the groundwater occurrence
and movement in the study area is highly governed by the geology, Topography and
geologic structures prevailed in the area. To locate borehole site for groundwater
development, it is vital to carry out a site-specific study. Accordingly, a study focused on
the description of geology, geomorphology and recharge condition was conducted in the
study area and its surroundings.
The following conclusion is forwarded based on the hydrogeological and geophysical

investigation in the study area.
 According nearby deep wells, geological and morphological and setup of the area,
the proposed site has good potential for ground water with an average depth of 220
meter
 The expected water bearing formations are fractured limestone –shale- Marl.
 The aquifer type is semi-confined system.
6.2 Recommendation
As a result of geological and hydrogeological investigation the following recommendations
are for warded.
 The recommended depth of the well is about 220 meters; however, the actual depth
of the drilling should be decided during drilling based on the actual hydrogeological
findings by the supervising hydrogeologist.
 The drilling method to be applied is air rotary/ mud drilling with a recommended
drilling diameter of 10”, so that 6” blind and screen casings are installed. The drilling
should be supervised by hydrogeologist who can be properly log the chip samples
and make appropriate casing arrangement. The well should be packed with well
sorted and matured gravel with a diameter of 7-9mm. And it has to be developed for
about 8.0 hrs until the water is free of fine materials. Then the well should be finally
grouted to a depth of 16mt.
 From geology of the area nearby boreholes the probable aquifer type in the area
namely Fractured Limestone and Fractured Limestone-Marl intercalation, the
recommended casing diameter is 6" internal diameter and PVC type.
 If the yield of the well is up to the required amount, the depth of drilling can be
modified
 A 3/4" galvanized steel pipe should be installed to a depth of maximum anticipated

drawdown in the annular space of the borehole that helps to monitor the water level.
 The drilling process should be strictly supervised by a qualified and well experienced
hydrogeologist.
 The well should be pump tested with at least 4 step drawdown tests, each test lasting
2 hours and a constant rate test for 48 hours and a recovery test until the well recover
95-100% in order to determine well efficiency and aquifer parameters
 The recommended depth for the 1st option is 220m N 1559803, E 487180 with an
elevation of 1835 a.s.l.
Table 2 Selected site with recommended depth of drilling
VES.n Geographic coordinate Recommended Drilling Casing Method of

o (Datum) Adindan depth in (mt) size in size in drilling
Northing Easting Elevation inch inch
VES-1 1559803 487180 1835 220 12’’ 8’’ DTH/MUD
REMARK: In all cases the Map Datum is ADINDAN
REFERANCES
• Beyth, M. (1972). Paleozoic-Mesozoic Sedimentary basin of Mekele outlier.
Memorie dicienze geolgche, v.49.
• Beles Engineering Plc. (2015) Hydrogeological and Geophysical investigation for water
well drilling site selection for Mekelle industrial park Tigray regional state
• Gebregziabher, B. (2003). Integrated geophysical methods to investigate
the geological structures and hydrostratigraphic unit of the Aynalem area
, South East Mekele. Unpublished Msc thesis AAU.
• Fetter, C.W., 2001. Applied hydrogeology. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle
River, 597 pp.
• Gebrehaweria.G, 2009. Groundwater Resource Assessment of the Aynalem Well field

through Transient flow Modelling (Mekele, Ethiopia), MSc Thesis, ITC, Enschede, 117 pp.
• WWDSE, 2006. Evalation of Aynalem well field and selection of additional
Prospective boreholes for Mekelle town water supply volume I & II, WaterWorks Design
and Supervision Enterprise.
• WDSE, 2016. Tigray Water Investigation and Borehole Site selection for Mekelle
Industrial park water supply
Annex 1: Bill of Quantities for Drilling and Pumping Test

BOQ of the selected site
No. Unit Qty Unit Total

Activity (220 m average Depth) . Price
1 General
1.1 Mobilization of manpower and equipment’s Ls 1
1.2 Demobilization of manpower &equipment’s Ls 1
1.3 Site clearing (after & before drilling) & rigging up Ls 1
1.4 Camp construction Ls 1
2 Drilling
2.1 Drilling in soft formation with 143/4” rock bit. M 16
2.2 Drilling in medium/ hard formation with DTH bit dia 12” M 204
2.3 Lithological logging Ls 1
3 Supply & installation of casing
3.1 Supply & installation of temporary 14” steel surface casing M 16.5
3.2 Supply & Install permanent 14” steel casing M 16.5
3.3 Supply & installation of 8” screen PVC casing M 55
3.4 Supply & installation 8” blind PVC casing M 165.6
3.5 Supply & installation of GI ¾” observation pipe M 132
4 Well construction
4.1 Supply & pack selected river gravel M3 12
4.2 Well cleaning and development Hrs 8
4.3 Well disinfection with hypo chloride (150mg/1) Ls 1
4.4 Grout with mass concrete up to 16.0m depth Ls 1
4.5 Construct trapezoidal/Rectangular well head (07x0.5x0.4m) Ls 1

in c-25 concrete and weld with sheet iron metal at the top
5 Conduct pumping Test
5.1 Mobilization and Demobilization Ls 1
5.2 Conduct step test (4 steps 2hrs each) Hrs 8
5.3 Conduct continuous test Hrs 48
5.4 Conduct recovery test Hrs 24
6 Water sampling and quality analysis (Physical & Chemical analysis) Ls 1
7 Prepare three hard copies and one soft copy of Well Drilling & Ls 1
pumping test Report and submit before payment
Total cost without VAT
VAT
Grand total
Annex 2: - Technical specifications for drilling
1. Scope
These specifications shall apply to the drilling, construction and/or testing of production
boreholes. They also inform both parties about the Methodology, Equipment and Materials need
and the nature of the work required to complete water well successfully according to the
general specification outlined in the tender document.
2. Personnel and Drilling Equipment

The CONTRACTOR shall supply capable and experienced personnel including a qualified
hydrogeologist and deploy Air Rotary drilling rig capable of drilling with Air/Mud up to a
depth of 200 meters or more.
3. Mobilization and Demobilization

Mobilization and demobilization include the transportation of the materials, equipments,
accessories and crew members necessary for constructing and developing the well to and from
the site to the CONTRACTOR'S main store.
4. Well Drilling
Drilling will proceed with 143/4" and 10” external bit diameter for unconsolidated top and hard
formation respectively for deep wells until the recommended depth is penetrated. The
unconsolidated material (top part) shall be cement grouted, and cased using surface casing
temporarily or permanently to prevent from being collapsed.
i. The boreholes should be drilled to the desired depth with 10” external diameter bit
so as to let in 8” internal diameter blind and screen casings.
ii. In a condition where the geological formation allows drilling telescopically, the
CONTRACTOR shall start with a bigger diameter and end up with a smaller one.
This may be subject to the agreement with the supervisor while the drilling operation
is continuing. Drilling can be performed by DTH/Mud depending on the site
conditions.
iii. The CONTRACTOR shall assign a qualified hydrogeologist who will be responsible
for the accomplishment of the works according to the design, to monitor the drilling
rate and describe the cuttings for the preparation of lithologic log and monitor and
guide the pumping test activities in deep wells.
iv. The rock cutting samples will be collected every 3m or smaller depths depending on
the geological condition and described properly together with drilling rate. These
data will be documented for supervision and will be presented in the final formal
technical report.
5.0 Material Supply
5.1 General
All materials to be provided shall be new, unused, of the most recent manufacture and
incorporate all recent improvements in the design and material unless provided otherwise in
the Contract. Before entering into any sub & contract for the supply of any material or goods,
the contractor shall obtain the Supervisor’s approval, in writing, of the sub & contract from
whom he/she proposes to obtain such material or goods. Should the Supervisor at any time
be dissatisfied with such materials or goods or with the method or performance of such
sub & contractor’s work or place of business, the Supervisor shall be empowered to cancel
his/her previously given approval of such sub & contract.
The contractor shall then obtain the said services, materials or goods from such other Sub &
contract as may be approved by the Supervisor and shall bear any additional cost therefore.
5.2 Screen and Blind Casing
If during the Contract, through any reason, a supplier should increase the cost of materials
above that of other equally reputable suppliers, the Supervisor may only authorize payment
for materials at the rates of other suppliers.
i. The well screen should be of the continuous slot type, designed to provide maximum
inlet of water and minimize the entry of sand, silt and clay particles. The
CONTRACTOR will supply 6” internal diameter PVC slotted and blind casings for the
deep wells. The actual slotted width, screen length and position of the screen shall be
determined from the geological formation encountered while drilling depending on the
borehole geology.
ii. The wall thickness of casings shall be 7mm. For all types, the screen shall have a slot size
of 0.75 mm to 2 mm depending on the aquifer material. The open area of the screens
shall be at least 10% of the surface area of the pipe.
iii. All casings and screens shall have screwed flush joints. The threads must be sturdy,
either curved or angular with no eccentricity, to allow easy handling. Centralizers of
suitable size (certified by the Supervisor) shall be fitted to both casings and screens at 6
m intervals.
iv. A ¾” galvanized steel pipe will be installed to a depth of maximum anticipate draw
down in the annular space of the borehole that helps to monitor the water level.
v. The quality and standard of the casing and screens should fulfill the standards set by
internationally recognized institutions like American Petroleum Institute (API) and
American Soil Testing and Materials (ASTM).
vi. Slots, which are prepared by hacksaw, welding or oxy & acetylene are not allowed. And
damaged and deformed casings due to mishandling will not be accepted for installation.
vii. A surface steel casing shall be installed (permanently or temporarily) when very
unstable formation is encountered on the top part.
Note: In case the casings are supplied by the Employer, item no. i is not applicable.
6.0 Gavel Pack
i. The supervisor or his/her representative should approve the need for gravel packing
and he/she should also approve samples prior to placing.
ii. The gravel pack shall consist of clean, well graded and sorted grains with a uniformity
coefficient between 2 and 4. The gravel shall be free of calcareous materials and
should be selected and washed river gravel. The size and grading of the gravel shall be
determined by the openings of the screen and/or the type (size) of aquifer materials
(formation type).
iii. The filling of gravel pack must be done carefully and slowly by hand using shovel or
water bucket to avoid bridging. It is not allowed to fill in the gravel by mechanized
equipment.
iv. The correct placing of gravel should have to be controlled by continuous recording of the
volume of gravel consumed and by repeated measurement of the achieved level of
packing.
v. The annular space between the borehole wall and casing over the gravel pack
should be packed with 16m cement in order to prevent any pollutants from seeping
down to the gravel pack and thereby contaminate the well.
7.0 Verticality and Alignment (Plumbness of the Well)
All boreholes shall be drilled vertically and all linings installed plumb and true to a
line. The plumbness of the well's axis (verticality) shall be assured by the free lowering
and rising of rods, casings and pumping plant into the well. Other instruments
subject to the supervisor (employer) approval can be applied to check the verticality.
8.0 Well Development and Cleaning
The cleaning and development of the well is intended to remove silt, clay, and other
residues from the aquifer, gravel pack and bottom of the well to assure the purity and
maximum yield of water. The well development processes should be accomplished for 8.0
hours by using air compressor/bailing/surge block and/ or high yield capacity pump
until the discharge is free of load suspension. The borehole shall be declared poorly
designed by the Supervisor if the water is not clear (i.e., free from sand and clay) at the end of
the development hours.
9.0 Well Head Construction
i. The CONTRACTOR shall pay close attention to the due protection of the well mouth
against the entrance of water or any pollutants after the completion of the well.
For this purpose the annular space between the wall of the borehole and the
casing will be secured by filling the upper part 16m by mass concrete. This will also
secure the casing stability. The grout shall be neat cement, or sand cement depending on
the interest of the supervisor. Concrete class of C25 or better quality will be used for the
apron construction.
ii. A rectangular/circular or trapezoidal well head will be constructed with about 1m
height above the ground level and submerged about 0.5m below the ground surface.
iii. Upon the completion of the well, the CONTRACTOR shall install a suitable
screwed or welded cap to prevent the entrance of foreign matter such as pollutant.
10.0 Well Testing (Pumping Test)
The CONTRACTOR shall assign qualified hydrogeologist and experienced personnel and shall
use reliable and accurate equipment approved by the supervisor to conduct the pumping test.
The test will be performed in step down and/or constant discharge test.
i. The step draw down test shall be performed in 4 steps, each step lasting at
least for 2 hours and discharge starting with the lowest discharge step. Following
the completion of the last discharge step, a recovery test shall be performed for
complete recovery.
ii. After complete recovery of the step down tests, a constant discharge (rate) test will
be run for 48 hours which are subsequently followed by a greater recovery test, after
the pump is turned off.
iii. The discharge will be measured using an orifice or water meter, or by other
appropriate and recognized methods under the approval of the supervisor. The
pumping water level will be measured and recorded for each test for further
analysis of aquifer parameters and well efficiency.
iv. Interruption caused by the negligence or technical defects of the pump, generator, or
water level indicator and other pertinent measuring equipment may cause
repetition of the test at the expense of the Contractor.
11.0 Water Sampling and Quality Analysis
Testimony
One water sample shall be taken at the end of the constant rate test from each well for
both chemical and bacteriological analyses. Clean glass (plastic) bottle of about 2 liters capacity
will be used as a container. Each container is clearly labeled and delivered within 48
hours to the laboratory. The physio chemical analysis type, anions and cations to be
identified and determined will depend on the use of the well for which it is designed. All
water quality tests shall meet WHO standards for acceptance.
12.0 Data Collection and Recording
The CONTRACTOR shall collect record and present data that give full information
about the drilled wells. This would enable the Supervisor to be precisely informed on the
drilling on arrival at site. The information to be recorded would include:
 Site name (including name of "Woreda", "Tabia", Village ("Kushet"), Site)

 Time and date of arrival and departure of the rig
 Compressor time counter at the beginning and end of drilling, and
 Similarly, for development and pump testing
 Time at which the rig was set up and at the start of drilling
 drilling time for each rod
 diameter and technique used with each rod
 depth reached with each rod
 Description of drilled formation indicating as well whether it is soft, medium and hard
including length for each formation.
 shut down period due to break down
 Lengths of casings, screens, gravel pack, lowered into the borehole etc.
 duration of development, yield and state of water
 any other information considered technically necessary
Information to be recorded by the Drilling Unit
 The location of the drilling site,

 Names of all crew members,
 Model, type and size of the rig,
 Type of work performed and hours lapsed on each type of work,
 Penetrated sample description,
 Length and size of surface casing, screen and observation pipes,
 Any problems encountered during drilling,
 Total standby time, and
Information to be recorded by the Pumping Test Unit
 The location of the drilling site,

 Names of all crew members,
 Make, model, type and size of the test pump and the generator,
 Type of work performed and hours lapsed on each type of work,
 The static water level,
 Pump position during testing,
 Total duration of the pumping test operation,
 Total standby time, and
 Other site-specific items as appropriate.
13.0 Technical Report
After completing the drilling and pumping test operations, the Contractor has to submit a
final technical report, which is prepared in the English language and incorporates all results of
specific activities. The report should include the details of the following points:
 Location of the site (administrative and UTM locations)

 General geology and hydrogeology of the area
 Type of drilling rig used
 Drilling diameter, final total depth, depth of different aquifers

 Static Water Level
 Rate of drilling supported by a graph
 Description of logging results
 Equipment and instruments used for the pumping test operation,
 Data collection sheets of the pumping test and relevant remarks about the data
acquisition,
 The plotted pumping test graphs,
 Proposed pump location,
 Description about the analytical methods and the relevant calculations and the
interpretation of pumping test results,
 The final report has to contain remarks on special observations, difficulties encountered
and findings that would be followed by interpretation of results and proposed
recommendations.
The technical report shall contain all detailed results of the analyses and
interpretations of the various data mentioned in "Data Collection and Record" in addition
to the well data. Besides, the drilling condition, geological and hydrogeological
conditions of the area shall be described briefly in connection with well records. Each
data and result shall be thoroughly discussed and complied in this report, and submitted
to the client with the recommendations to the pump type, capacity, permanent pump
position, and continuous pumping hours. Payment for the compiling of technical report
will be according to the unit price given on the price quotation.

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Geological and Hydrogeological Groun

Central Zone, Wereda Adwa, Tabia Mai-Tium, Tigray, Ethiopia

MEHARI G/YOHANNES WATER RESOURCE CONSULTANCY FIRM

Following the completion of Geological study, a hydrogeological investigation was

1.1 Location and accessibility

Figure 1 Location map of the selected site

1.2 Objectives of the Study

1.3 Methodology and Materials used

quality parameters (Electrical conductivity, PH and Temperature) measurements were

1.4. GEOMORPHLOGY OF THE STUDY AREA

1.5 Climate and hydrology

Maximum daily temperature may go as high as 30 0 C. Mean annual temperature ranges

2.1 Regional Geology

2.2 Local Geology

3.1 Hydro lithology

3.1.1 Alluvial Aquifers

3.2 Hydrogeological setting

3.3. Recharge - Discharge Conditions

3.3.1. Groundwater Recharge

3.4 Structural Setting

3.4.1 Conductive Fractures

Structural development (faulting and fracturing) has resulted in secondary permeability

3.4.2 Well inventory and Well Interference

Figure 3 Location map of the selected site

Geophysical data complement direct characterization data by providing a denser grid of

Table 1 Location of selected site for drilling

Northing Easting Elevation Recommended depth (m) Datum used

1559803 487180 1835 220 Adindan Zone 37N

5. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSEMENT REPORT

5.1 Potential Environmental and Social Impacts of the Proposed Project

5.2 Impact on Surface and Groundwater

5.2.1 Temporary Interruption of water supply

Deterioration of Water Quality

Increase of Noise Level, air pollution and dust

Health and Sanitation Issues

6. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

The following conclusion is forwarded based on the hydrogeological and geophysical

 A 3/4" galvanized steel pipe should be installed to a depth of maximum anticipated

Table 2 Selected site with recommended depth of drilling

VES.n Geographic coordinate Recommended Drilling Casing Method of

• Beyth, M. (1972). Paleozoic-Mesozoic Sedimentary basin of Mekele outlier.

Memorie dicienze geolgche, v.49.

• Gebregziabher, B. (2003). Integrated geophysical methods to investigate

the geological structures and hydrostratigraphic unit of the Aynalem area

, South East Mekele. Unpublished Msc thesis AAU.

• Fetter, C.W., 2001. Applied hydrogeology. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle

River, 597 pp.

• Gebrehaweria.G, 2009. Groundwater Resource Assessment of the Aynalem Well field

• WWDSE, 2006. Evalation of Aynalem well field and selection of additional

Annex 1: Bill of Quantities for Drilling and Pumping Test

No. Unit Qty Unit Total

1.1 Mobilization of manpower and equipment’s Ls 1

1.2 Demobilization of manpower &equipment’s Ls 1

1.3 Site clearing (after & before drilling) & rigging up Ls 1

1.4 Camp construction Ls 1

2.1 Drilling in soft formation with 143/4” rock bit. M 16

2.3 Lithological logging Ls 1

3 Supply & installation of casing