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Technical Feasibility Study of a Simplified Drinking Water Supply System (SDWSs) Based on Geological, Hydrogeological and Geophysical Investigations in Tchintabaraden, Niger

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Department of Civil Engineering, School of Mines, Industry and Geology of Niamey (EMIG), Niamey, Niger
  • 2Department of Mines-Geology, School of Mines, Industry and Geology of Niamey (EMIG), Niamey, Niger
  • 3Department of Mining Engineering and Environment, School of Mines, Industry and Geology of Niamey (EMIG), Niamey, Niger
  • 4Djibo Hamani University of Tahoua, Faculty of Education Sciences, Department of Discipline Didactics, Tahoua-Niger
  • 5Dept. of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, André Salifou University of Zinder (UAS), Zinder, Niger
  • 6Department of SVT, Abdou Moumouni University, Higher Normal School, Niamey, Niger
  • 7Department of Mines-Geology, School of Mines, Industry and Geology of Niamey (EMIG), Niamey, Niger

Int. Res. J. Environment Sci., Volume 15, Issue (4), Pages 53-65, October,22 (2026)

Abstract

Groundwater resources represent a strategic component for securing water supply in arid and semi-arid regions, particularly in northern Niger where population growth and pastoral activities increase pressure on available water resources. This study aims to assess groundwater potential and identify suitable borehole locations for sustainable water supply in the Tchintabaraden and Infagagane areas. The methodology combined geological, hydrogeological, geophysical, and socio-economic approaches. Geological investigations revealed that the study area belongs to the sedimentary domain of the Iullemmeden Basin, characterized by Upper Cretaceous marine formations, Continental Intercalaire, Continental Terminal, and Quaternary deposits. Hydrogeological analysis highlighted the importance of deep confined aquifers, particularly the Upper Cretaceous marine aquifer, as the main groundwater target. Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) surveys identified conductive anomalies interpreted as potential aquifer zones. At Tchintabaraden, groundwater targets were located between 320 and 400 m depth, while at Infagagane they were identified between 220 and 300 m depth. Based on the integrated interpretation, three potential borehole locations were proposed at each site. The socio-economic assessment showed that the population of Tchinta Nord is projected to increase from 2695 inhabitants in 2025 to 5781 inhabitants by 2050, resulting in a significant increase in water demand. Total water requirements, including domestic and livestock consumption, are expected to rise from 104 m³/day in 2025 to 166 m³/day in 2050, requiring a production capacity of approximately 209 m³/day at the design horizon. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of integrating geological, hydrogeological, and geophysical methods for groundwater exploration in sedimentary basins and provide a reliable framework for developing sustainable water supply systems in semi-arid environments.

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