BOREHOLE BECOMES A TICKING TIME BOMB

Borehole becomes a ticking time bomb

Drilling Borehole

When a borehole is drilled to tap in to groundwater resources  a lot of consideration as to be given to the likely availability of groundwater and the likely chemical characteristics of the water via borehole prognosis. However, a lot of consideration should also be given to how to properly construct the borehole and the associated infrastructure and the likely effect that the work will have on the groundwater. When drilling a borehole we should recognise that the drilling works will have an impact on the groundwater.


Initially as drilling progresses toward the groundwater table the groundwater will be suppressed as a result of the downward pressure being exerted by the drilling. Once a water strike has occurred and the water table has been intercepted we have exposed a controlled water and it is therefore important that all works from this point forward protect the water both for the sake of the proposed use, such as drinking water, but also to protect the environment. Any additives used need to be suitable and not potentially damaging. Sealants and materials used to construct the borehole have to be used appropriately to ensure that they do not contaminate the groundwater.

Drilling of Borehole in process

Nigeria with a population of well over 140 million people, less than 20 percent of Nigerians have access to potable water. While it falls under the care of governments at all levels to provide this water that is essential of life, through the Ministry of Water resources, the reverse is the case, as citizens have over the years resorted to providing for their domestic use of water through the construction of boreholes. But this alternative source of water for domestic, agricultural and industrial purposes, appears to constitute a looming danger for Nigerians.

Every intending property owner in Nigeria considers it a necessity, given that government at all levels have failed to provide potable water for its citizens. An attempt to stop providing boreholes in any apartment, literarily translates to denying occupants of that apartment or residents of that community access to potable water. Hence, construction of boreholes has become a norm for most families, governments and communities in Nigeria.

Because of increased pumping, groundwater levels are reaching record lows up to 100 feet (30 meters) lower than previous records. Department of Water Resources Director Mark Cowin said in a statement. "As extensive groundwater pumping continues, the land is sinking more rapidly and this puts nearby infrastructure at greater risk of costly damage."

Operational Discharge of produced water

NASA compared satellite images taken of Earth's surface over time to discover this increased rate of subsidence. Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (INSAR) observations from satellite and aircraft platforms have been used over the past few years to produce maps of subsidence with approximately centimeter-level accuracy.Operational discharges of produced water and drill cuttings from offshore oil and gas platforms are a continuous source of contaminants to continental shelf ecosystems. Alkylphenols (AP) and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from produced water accumulate in cod and blue mussel caged near outlets, but are rapidly metabolized in cod. APs, naphtenic acids, and PAHs may disturb reproductive functions, and affect several chemical, biochemical and genetic biomarkers.

What do u think can be done to this issue of borehole drilling. Please comment below.