Evaluation of Groundwater Potentiality and Quality in Ikot Ekpene-Obot Akara Local Government Areas, Southern Nigeria

Abstract Adequate supply of potable water in Ikot Ekpene-Obot Akara Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Akwa Ibom State, southern Nigeria has been of a serious concern in recent times. Consequently, this study’s major goal is to evaluate groundwater potentiality and quality in the LGAs via the use of the electrical resistivity technique and geochemical analysis of borehole water samples to map out the zones for the optimum location of boreholes in the area. The results of the Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) performed at 28 locations in the area show that the lithological succession comprises sands and gravels with minor clay interbeddings at a number of locations. The main aquifer units in the area are found at depths of between 2.1 and 30.2 m, with resistivity values ranging from 40.6 to 2648.1 Ohms-metres. The generated groundwater potentiality map indicates that 89 % of the investigated area has high groundwater potential while 7 % and 4 % have low and moderate potentials respectively. The contamination level in the groundwater is shown to be very low or insignificant. Policymakers in the LGAs can use these insights to effectively manage and utilize groundwater to meet the needs of the masses.