TECHNICAL PROPOSAL
FOR
HYDROLOGICAL SURVEY AND DRILLING OF
PRODUCTIVE DEEP BOREHOLE IN BEER ABDI FARAH
VILLAGE DHUSAMAREB- GALGADUD REGION
GALMUDUG STATE OF SOMALIA
Submitted to: Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)
December, 2024
1. BACKGROUND
Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is planning to improve the access to safe and adequate water
supply services in Somalia, by constructing new water sources (boreholes). As part of the
transition from periodic water trucking to sustainable water supply services. Norwegian
Refugee Council (NRC) is coordinating with government of Somalia to support the
establishment of new borehole-based water supply systems.
Below is the methodology and technical proposal for execution of the above-mentioned works.
This work will be divided into three phases and each phase will be discussed in details.
2. HYDROGEOLOGICAL SURVEY
The hydrogeological investigations will be carried out according to a multi-step approach to
identify suitable sites for drilling of production boreholes. The study will identify suitable site,
anticipated maximum depth of drilling, water strike level and description of aquifer types.
2.1 Desk Study And Data-Acquisition
The existing data will be reviewed like; topographical maps, satellite images, previous studies,
geological and hydrogeological reports and maps, borehole and surface water records, etc.
2.2 Hydrogeological Fieldwork
There will be a detailed reconnaissance survey of project area; water level measurements, PH,
TDS and EC inspection of geological, geomorphological and structural characteristics of the
investigated area; verification of existing data and findings.
2.3 Geophysical Measurements
Our geophysicists will carry out geophysical measurements within the study area using the:
ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 and its accessories for the 1D survey
ABEM Terrameter LS2 with complete tools and accessories for the 2D survey
Resistivity profiles (in Wenner Array) and vertical electrical soundings (in Schlumberger array)
will be carried out with an ABEM SAS 1000 Terrameter. Resistivity profiles shall be carried out
at various electrode configurations (representing different depths of probing), perpendicular
to the trend of identified geological or hydrogeological units. Vertical electrical soundings (VES)
will be carried out at representative points, anomalies, and other sites of special
hydrogeological interest.
Based on the hydeogeological survey results and our engineers’ experience of the study area,
dimensions and hydrogeological properties of the main aquifer will be assessed and/or
determined. These will include: the groundwater balance, safe yield, water quality and the
implications of the proposed abstraction, the number, location and spacing of wells to be
drilled, etc. We will make available the following equipment and tools for the hydrogeological
survey.
Instrument/Item Quantity
ABEM SAS 1000 Terrameter with complete accessories 1
ABEM Terrameter LS2 with complete accessories & tools 1
Interpex IX1Dv2 for 1D survey interpretation 1
Res2D for 2D survey interpretation 1
EC meter 1
TDS meter 1
PH meter 1
GPS 1
Water Level Meter 1
3. BOREHOLE DRILLING
Drilling activities will be commenced as soon as the hydrogeological survey has been
completed. Where necessary, the local authorities will be consulted for approval.
3.1 Mobilization
As soon as the hydrogeological survey has been completed, the plant, material, equipment,
and personnel will be mobilized to the site of work to be ready for commencing drilling
activities.
3.2 Drilling Site Setup
Immediately after drilling rig reach the site, drilling site preparation will be started. Site
clearance and camp setup will be necessary in this stage.
3.3 Hole Making
We will use our rotary drilling machines to make the hole and drill up to the required depth and
diameter. DTH method is used to drill the hard formations, while mud circulation method is
used for the soft formations.
3.4 Well Logging
Geophysical logging tools are lowered into a well by a long cable and continuously record the
physical properties of the rock and fluid. Resulting data are presented in graphs called borehole
geophysical logs. Geophysical logs are extremely important to gain a better understanding of
the aquifer system and fractures supplying a well. This will help identification of saturated
zones of fresh water and lead to a very reliable design for the borehole.
3.5 Well Casing
After completion of hole making process, soon well casing process starts, Steel or uPVC casing
of the required diameter will be installed. The screen and casing assembly will be joined
properly and lowered in to the well.
3.6 Gravel Packing
After completion of the casing process, gravel packing of the recommended type and size of
quartz will be filled. Sufficient gravel must be accommodated around the screens to retain fine
sand and to provide high permeability in the filter zone around the well screen.
3.7 Borehole Development
To remove drilling fluid (foam or bentonite) and give the borehole its maximum yield, water
will be pumped and pressurized in the well, so that it allows water to follow through the well
screen to the surrounding walls of the hole; water comes back to surface caring the remaining
drilling materials. This is called “back washing process”.
3.8 Pumping Test
To assess the borehole performance and to determine aquifer characteristics, pumping test will
be carried out after the borehole has been fully developed. This test involves pumping water
from the borehole and measures the drawdown of water level in the well for about 48 hours.
This followed by a recovery test after the pump is switched off. The table below shows the
results of the pump test and recovery test.
After this test, we will be able to recommend most suitable submersible pump capacity for this
borehole.
3.9 Installation Of Water Extracting System
After completion of pumping test, a suitable submersible pump connected to a raising-main
pipes will be installed in the well for pumping the water to the storage. A suitable generator
and/or solar power system will be used to operate the submersible pump to extract the water
from the well.
3.10 Water Quality Test
A water sample will be taken from the borehole to undertake a laboratorial analysis for its
physical, chemical and biological properties. This is to ensure weather the water is suitable for
drinking and other domestic purposes.
3.11 Borehole Disinfection
The entire well and pumping system will be disinfected in order to kill the harmful
microorganisms that may be on the well casing, gravel, raising main pipes, pumping rod or in
the water drilling operation. Chlorine will be used as a disinfection agent since it destroys
bacteria by neutralising the enzymes that are essential for their survival.
3.12 Construction Of Well Head Protection
The well head will be constructed with a concrete collar prevent ground water from any
contamination and that only water from selected depths may enter to obtained the best
available ground water.
4. SITE RESTORATION
Finally, the borehole site will be restored to its former state by cleaning the borehole area from
the remainder materials in the construction site and leveling the ground.
PROCESS SUMMARY
HYDROGEOLOGICAL SURVEY
MOBILIZATION OF DRILLING
MACHINE, EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, &
PERSONNEL
BOREHOLE DRILLING AND EQUIPING
SITE RESTORATION
