AGRICULTURAL WATER SUPPLY

GCS has been involved in various groundwater resource development studies as well as designing abstraction and management programmes for developments ranging from small scale hand pump supplies to large scale mining and irrigation in excess of 4 000 m³/hr. Resource development studies require a broad knowledge of various geological and aquifer types. GCS has extensive in-house experience developed through the implementation of projects throughout Africa.

Potential study areas are identified and assessed for suitability through Aerial Photo Interpretation (API) and remote sensing. Ground geophysical investigations are performed to locate suitable borehole or well positions on site. Various geophysical methods are employed depending on the site specific geology and conditions. Catchment yield potential is evaluated through reserve calculations to determine the sustainability of groundwater abstraction.

During its 30 years of operation in Africa, GCS has established a comprehensive list of drilling and aquifer test contractors who can be employed to install and equip the boreholes. Once installed, aquifer tests can be performed to determine the sustainable yield of the aquifers. GCS performs drilling and aquifer test supervision to ensure optimal design, construction and data collection. Hydrochemistry is determined to ensure water quality suitability for the intended use.

Agricultural studies allow for the integration of water (surface and groundwater), soils and the environment. With GCS’ strong background in these sectors, GCS specialists can offer a wide range of expertise to the agricultural sector. GCS has an established history of providing specialist inputs that facilitate a range of developments and the specialist skills required for this work can be and have been effectively applied to Agricultural projects.

Irrigation is a good example of an integrated application of the soils and water spheres. This is especially true for the direction in which agriculture is heading; precision agriculture. There is a drive toward more cost-effectively managed agricultural resources by better understanding one’s available water and soil resources. GCS has considerable experience in the development and management of groundwater resources in Africa and offers the following professional services:

• API and remote sensing
• Database development and management
• Geophysical investigations
• Contract management and supervision
• Borehole design and construction
• Resource evaluation (quantity and quality)
• Catchment reserve calculation studies
• Well field design, modelling and optimisation
• Borehole scheme management and monitoring