Sustainable use of groundwater resources: A case study of spring and gravity water in River Gucha- Migori catchment, Western Kenya

3^rd International Conference on Hydrology & Meteorology

September 15-16, 2014 Hyderabad International Convention Centre, India

Haushila Prasad and Kennedy Obiero

Accepted Abstracts: Hydrol Current Res

Abstract :

River Gucha-Migori is located in Western Kenya, Lake Victoria basin of East Africa. The river Gucha-Migori catchment is characterized by high altitude areas with steep slopes in its headwaters. High population densities of over 698 persons per km2 have enormous pressure on existing water resources in terms of high demands for various uses. The area?s population depends on spring water, gravity water, rain water, river/stream water and boreholes for various uses. The residents of the area heavily rely on spring water sources for drinking water demand. Due to land use activities, this source of water is under threat due to reduced recharge during the dry season. Steep slopes also make it difficult to collect water for daily uses which is mainly done by women and children. The spring water is also threatened by the growth of eucalyptus trees whose evapotranspiration rates are high in comparison to other plant species. This reduces water level in the springs especially during the dry season. Intensive cultivation to meet food demands for the high population has contributed to deforestation and land degradation pushing people to cultivate on steep slopes. The result has been increased soil erosion that contributes to high sediment loadings in springs and even changes the colour to levels unpleasant to the communities. The spring water source faces a number of challenges that need to be addressed to ensure sustainable use of water resources within the catchment. One of the interesting aspects of the ground water sources is gravity water where water is channeled in pipes where it flows down stream. The water is tapped at different points where people collect the water to meet their various daily demands. This supply has numerous advantages such as it reduces congestion in water sources and also reduces distances to water sources to collect water. However it also faces a number of challenges that need to be addressed for its sustainable use. This paper will address the various issues related to the water resources and will suggest remedial measures for sustainable use and management in the study area.