Aquaquest conducted a hydrogeological assessment for a bottling plant in Lusaka, on behalf of an international brewing company. The initial feasibility study aimed at the identification of suitable locations for setting up a large-scale bottling plant, predominantly from a water supply perspective. Following a desk study and evaluation of potential sites for the planned development, a geophysical survey using Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) was conducted at selected locations at the MFEZ. This area is underlain by Lusaka dolomite, which supports discontinuous but locally high-yielding aquifers in cavity systems and related karts features.
Subsequently, a successful exploratory drilling and test pumping program was executed to determine sustainable groundwater use. Part of the study also included looking at the feasibility of discharging treated wastewater from the plant directly into the ground. As Lusaka does not have many natural perennial streams or a fully developed sewerage system, groundwater infiltration is often the only possible option for discharge of wastewater.