Physical factors limiting access to clean groundwater in Tanzania villages

Abstract

Abstract Low yield, poor water quality, and nonfunctional infrastructure impede physical access to clean groundwater in rural Tanzania. We studied boreholes in 45 villages as part of a rehabilitation program led by the Global Water Institute at The Ohio State University. Villages were chosen because their groundwater supply systems were inoperative or unsustainable. The most common cause was pump failure, which occurred in more than half of the villages. Even if broken pumps were repaired or replaced, low pump capacities and potential yields would limit physical access in many villages. Low potential yield is often mistaken for a broken pump, but easily diagnosed with a pump test. Pump test records were available for only eight villages, highlighting the need for more testing and data accessibility. One-third of the villages had low water quality. In comparison to secondary water sources such as springs, impoundments, and dug wells, boreholes tended to have lower levels of nitrate and fecal coliform, greater total dissolved solids, and similar fluoride levels. In many villages, groundwater is the only viable water resource to support development, but drilling records and hydrogeologic data are sparse. We recommend better digital data archiving with governmental water supply authorities and the assessment of potential well yields and sustainable yields.