Groundwater Characteristics and Quality in the Cascades Region of Burkina Faso

Abstract

In the context of low rainfall, groundwater abstraction is the main source of water, especially in rural areas. For better water management, a good knowledge of water resources is necessary. The Cascades region depends, like most regions, on the use of groundwater, especially in rural areas. However, this region has been subject to a strong anthropogenic impact in recent years, in association with mineralization. This study aims to establish the status of groundwater quality in order to strengthen the knowledge of groundwater resources, for better planning of preservation strategies and sustainability of actions. Fifty-eight borehole water samples were collected using techniques and methods for assessing groundwater properties. The results indicate that the electrical conductivity (EC) values of the water show slight mineralization. The waters are aggressive, with severe-to-significant corrosion, and with calcite saturation in relation to the geological facies. Principal component analysis allowed us to conclude that residence time and leaching due to anthropogenic activities have an impact on quality. The chemical and bacteriological quality of the groundwater systems is of great concern, as some parameters exceed the Burkina Faso guidelines.

Keywords

• geochemical spatial analysis
• groundwater characterization
• groundwater quality
• Cascades region