Impact of Rainfall Variability on Groundwater Levels in Ruiru Municipality, Kenya
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Date
2015
Authors
Nyakundi, R.M.
Makokha, M.
Mwangi, J.K.
Obiero, C.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Abstract
Groundwater accounts for the largest fresh water resources in the world. However, there has been limited exploitation of
this vital resource in many areas. Where groundwater resources have been utilised, they have been over-exploited, polluted,
wasted and mismanaged. In Ruiru municipality, groundwater is a major component of the water supply, contributing
about 70% of the water demand. Rising population numbers and industrial development have led to a high water demand,
increased water scarcity and more reliance on ground water. Assessing the effect of rainfall variability on groundwater
levels of boreholes in Ruiru municipality will help in assessing the sustainability of groundwater resources in the area.
Groundwater levels were measured using a dipper and spatial locations of the boreholes were established and mapped
using GIS. Rainfall data was collected from the Kenya Meteorological Department and the Water Resources Management
Authority. The water table fluctuation method was used to estimate recharge. There was an impact of rainfall variability on
groundwater levels. The results showed a decline in groundwater levels during low rainfall periods. The rainfall variability,
caused by climate change, brought about prolonged droughts and low recharge in the area. Climate change should be
mitigated to cap the decline in groundwater and abstraction controlled to ensure that groundwater resources are managed
properly to avoid depletion.
Description
A Research Article in the African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development
Keywords
Climate, Groundwater, Rainfall, Recharge, Water-table, Water-rest level
Citation
Nyakundi, R. M., Mwangi, J. K., Obiero, C., & Makokha, M. (2015). Impact of rainfall variability on groundwater levels in Ruiru municipality, Kenya. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 7(5), 329-335.