Borehole depth determination to freshwater and well design using geophysical logs in coastal regions of Lagos, southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

The determination of depth to freshwater aquifers and lack of geophysical borehole log data to help borehole developers in the design of borehole have long been identified as a problem in coastal areas. This necessitates a study of the coastal environment of Lagos, southwestern Nigeria, to determine the depth to freshwater and give recommendation on the borehole design during installation stage that can be projected to areas immediate to where geophysical logs are available. For this study, twenty geophysical log data were utilized which are spread across Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lekki of Lagos metropolis. The study shows that the saline water extent in Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lekki occurs to an average depth of 146, 154 and 162 m, respectively. Relative variation in quality of water across the regions is because of the differences in the thickness of clay units serving as protective units separating the polluted zones from the unpolluted zones. It is recommended that water wells in Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lekki be drilled to an approximate depth of 240 m and the last 18 m be screened. This research work was able to develop a design model for the boreholes located in the Island. The model includes gravel packing thickness of about 50 m from the bottom of the hole and cement grouting to the surface of the borehole to avoid the contamination of the borehole.