Static Water Level and Elevation Analyses of Shallow Hand-Dug Wells in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria

Aim: This study was conducted to reveal the depth to water level and surface elevation in selected hand-dug wells within Ilorin metropolis to assist in planning and management of water resources within the study area.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Ilorin metropolis, North Central, Nigeria.

Methodology: A total of twenty-six (26) hand-dug wells were sampled and relevant spatial information was acquired using a handheld GPS; data collected include: longitude, latitude, elevation and depth to water, then the static water level above sea level was estimated by the difference between depth to water and elevation. Statistical analyses such as mean and standard deviation were determined, also a base map, contour maps and 3-D elevation model of the study area were produced using ArcGIS 10.4 and Surfer 10 software.

Results: The depth to water within the study area ranges between 1.6 m and 13.3m, while elevation were between 284.1 m and 377.9 m, then the static water level ranges between 270.8 m and 371.4 m. The static water level contour map showed a radial and multidimensional groundwater flow pattern trending in the NE–SW and NW–SE directions while the 3-D elevation model revealed an undulating terrain.

Conclusion: The study concluded that the depth to groundwater is relatively shallow and this can guide proper development and management of groundwater resources within the metropolis.