Turkana: Turkana County Government has commenced real-time monitoring of water levels in the Lodwar alluvial aquifer system to enable timely decision-making and prevent potential challenges associated with water resource management. The Directorate of Water Services and Water Resources Authority, in collaboration with the REACH Programme, have installed sensors-known as divers-in Napuu, Nakwamewi, Moi Gardens, and Nadapal boreholes. The selected boreholes all tap into aquifers.

According to Kenya News Agency, the installation of the divers is part of the final phase of the REACH program-implemented by University of Nairobi’s Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation, which has been working ‘to improve water security for the poor’. The divers are expected to continuously monitor the boreholes’ water temperature, groundwater levels, water quality, and the impact of rainfall, climate change, and inflows from the River Turkwel.

Leading the REACH team, the country director, Prof. Daniel Olago, stated that the county government and WRA would be collecting data every six months. With the support of the programme team, the data will be analysed to guide sustainable management of the aquifers. ‘There is a common misconception that groundwater is an endlessly renewable resource. In reality, without proper monitoring and management, it can be depleted. Analyzing the collected data will allow for a better understanding of the aquifer system over time, ultimately ensuring long-term water security,’ said Prof. Olago.

The WRA Sub-Station Coordinator for Turkana, Samson Rotich, noted that the data would be critical for developing a water allocation plan. ‘This plan will outline how much water can be sustainably extracted from both groundwater and surface water sources,’ he said. As the authority mandated to issue permits for the use of boreholes, the WRA alongside the Water Services Directorate utilize the data to control the number of boreholes in operation. This would assist in safeguarding groundwater resources. ‘If data shows consistent drop in water levels, it indicates over-pumping or extraction. In such cases, selected boreholes can be temporarily closed to allow the aquifer to recover,’ said Prof. Olago.