Causes And Effects Of Groundwater Depletion In Akaki Well Fields And Catchment Water Supply

The study focuses on causes and effects of groundwater depletion of the well fields in the Akakirncatchment. The catchment is known for its sources of many deep well water extraction areas developedrnfor the purpose of providing potable water supplies for the residents of Addis Ababa city. However,rnresearch shows that due to high levels of water extraction, groundwater depletion, poor land use and landrncover practices in the Akaki catchment, the city is exposed to problems associated with a serious shortagernof water supplies.rnThe aim of this research is to identify the causes of ground water depletion and understand its impacts inrnthe catchment. By assessing geomorphology, vegetation, land use, land cover, urbanization, populationrndynamics, temperature and precipitation.rnThe study uses qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. In particular, descriptive type of researchrndesign and statistical trend analysis will be one of the main methods of this research to identify the major causesrnof ground water depletion in the study area. The supply conditions of the study area were assessed using,rninterviews the people and professional‘s, who works in water sectors.rnGroundwater extraction greater than the replenish capacity of the well is one of the main factors thatrnaffects the groundwater potential of the Akaki catchment. In addition, the study identified that changes ofrnland use land cover LULC, temperature increase, precipitation variability, urbanization and populationrndensity are among other causes of exacerbating ground water depletion the area. From the land use landrncover (LULC) analysis, it can be concluded that Akaki catchment had experienced a significant change inrnland use and land cover over the past three decades. The analysis shows that the rapid conversion ofrnforest, grassland and cultivated land covers to urban settlementrnThe two primary causes of depletion of water table identified in this study are deforestation and overpumping of groundwater. Despite the continuous decline in ground water level, there is no ground waterrnmanagement policy and proper system of water conservation practices in the country. Finally the studyrnindicates there is a significant ground water scarcity in the catchment requiring immediate actions

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