Delineation of groundwater protection zone in a fractured rock aquifer setting: A case study of Rawsonville

Abstract

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is considering the implementation of an Aquifer Protection Strategy to protect the country’s critical groundwater resources. This study will assist in filling the knowledge gap in the form of a groundwater protection zoning case study in the Rawsonville area. Understanding how groundwater is being accessed and used is required in determining the level and type of groundwater protection needed. Groundwater access points were identified as being boreholes, springs and rivers. A few potential contamination sources were identified at the site such as leachate from fertilizers and pesticides which may reach the groundwater used by the farmers for domestic water supply as well as irrigation.