Groundwater flow modeling to evaluate stresses in Dijil catchment, Ethiopia

Water scarcity is a growing global challenge, necessitating an accurate assessment of groundwater. However, in a data-scarce Dijil catchment, very limited studies exist. A steady numerical groundwater flow model was developed for the Dijil catchment. The unconfined aquifer model was calibrated using observed water level data. Future scenarios, including increased extraction, reduced recharge, and a combination were considered to test the aquifer’s response. The aquifer’s hydraulic conductivity, areal recharge, river-bed, and general head boundary conductance were 2.1E-07–8.09E-04 m/s, 145 mm/year, 6.5E-10–1.16E-02 m/s, and 0.06–0.07 m/s. Precipitation recharge and river seepage are the main inputs, while river leakage is the primary outflow at the model boundary. Future stresses scenario analysis showed that reduced recharge would cause a significant draw down in the aquifer system. The Adisina-Gulit well field is the most vulnerable location to stresses, while the Sentera well field area is a promising site for future groundwater development.