Evaluation of Groundwater Potentials in a Basement Terrain Using Pumping Test Data: A Case Study of Sanga Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Aquifers in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria, originating from crystalline basement rocks, consist of various materials including clay, silt, sand, gravel, and laterite. This study employs the Cooper-Jacobs non-equilibrium graphical method to estimate hydraulic properties from pumping test data for 18 boreholes. Conductivity values range from 1.02x10^-2 m/s to 4.07x10^-2 m/s, while transmissivity values range from 1.14x10^-1 m^2/s to 4.40x10^-1 m^2/s. Specific capacity varies between 1.03x10^-1 m^2/s/m and 9.00x10^-2 m^2/s/m, indicating low to moderate groundwater potentials. The yield, ranging between 0.45 l/s and 1.0 l/s, reflects the heterogeneous and anisotropic nature of the basement aquifer system regarding groundwater discharge. On average, the boreholes exhibit potential for sustaining local to regional water supply, contingent upon optimal drilling methods and proper well completion.