A 2D ERT geophysical survey was conducted to map part of the aquifer in Lusaka-West, to determine suitable sites for drilling in a designated wellfield area in Lusaka-West. The purpose of the survey was to gain a better understanding of the structural geology and identify weathered zone and cavities within the Lusaka dolomite formation. The work was executed for the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) in support of Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company (LWSC).
Before the start of the survey, a training workshop was organized for LWSC and BGR staff on the application of ERT technology in groundwater assessment and aquifer mapping.
The investigated area has been designated as a potential wellfield to supply water to the Industrial area of Lusaka city, Zambia. Locations with the apparent highest potential for groundwater abstraction were identified and from this information, 16 suitable drilling sites were selected and ranked according to their estimated groundwater potential in the eastern and western survey areas.