Journal of Earth & Environmental Waste Management
- ISSN: 3065-8799
Diriba Worku Doyo and Abuye Boja Lemma
The delineation of groundwater recharge and flow direction is important for the sustainability of groundwater for irrigation, domestic water supply, and several others. Groundwater contamination results from improper disposal of waste on the land surface. This study aimed to delineate groundwater recharge zones and flow direction in the Meki watershed, Ethiopia. Physical features such as land use, land cover, and groundwater depth were used. Surfer 17 software was used to delineate groundwater recharge zones in the study area. Land use and land cover were prepared from the SPOT satellite image of 2016. Groundwater flow direction was identified and indicated on the contour map of the study watershed. As per the result, the major recharge of groundwater occurs in the northwest and southwest parts of the study area, whereas discharge zones are located in the eastern and southern parts. Groundwater flow direction was analyzed with a direction of lineament map using Rockworks 17 software. According to groundwater flow lines and contour maps, groundwater flows from the eastern highland parts of the catchment towards the plain areas in the western direction. When groundwater flows from the Northwest to the Southeast, the Southeast region may be vulnerable to groundwater contamination. Therefore, it is advisable to locate groundwater wells for potable domestic water supply in the northwest and the sanitary site in the southeast part of the study area so as to minimize groundwater contamination. Therefore, this study’s results could enable smallholder farmers to further use the groundwater for various purposes with proper management.