Journal of Engineering and Architecture

Mapping of Feasible Artificial Groundwater Recharge Areas: Case of Nairobi City County, Kenya
Michael O. Owen, Simeon O. Dulo, Christian O. Thine

Abstract
The stress on ground water resources continues increase in most urban centers. Some wells in the upper aquifer within depths of 120m below ground level have dried up indicating depletion. The paper presents the research aimed at identifying the feasible areas for groundwater recharge using planned recharge techniques within Kenya‟s city. A systematic analysis of land cover, slope, geology and vadose zone thickness was undertaken generating feasible parameter layer maps using ArcGIS. Integration of the feasible parameter layers maps using Boolean logic function resulted in a feasible area map. 22.57% of the area was found feasible for planned recharge of the aquifer. The identified areas for groundwater recharge provides the guidelines for planned recharge in the city thus supplementing the water supply to the city which at one point is battling floods and another time facing severe drought. The research study showed a co-benefit of flood mitigation.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jea.v8n2a2