Conceptualization of urban hydrogeology within the context of water sensitive urban design: case study of Cape Flats Aquifer

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Date

2018

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University of the Western Cape

Abstract

Urban hydrogeology can be used to facilitate a decision-making process regarding the implementation of water sensitive urban design (WSUD) to manage water systems of periurban cities. This thesis was aimed at providing explanation of how that approach can be applied in Cape Town using Cape Flats Aquifer as a case study. To achieve this main objective, three specific objectives were set, namely, objective 1 which focused on estimating aquifer parameters using Theis analytical flow solution, in order to identify areas for implementation of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) suggested by WSUD principles; Objective 2 focused on conceptualizing groundwater flow system of Cape Flats Aquifer using the Finite Difference Method (FDM), in order to predict aquifer behaviour under stresses caused by the implementation of WSUD; Objective 3 focused on assessing gw-sw interaction using Principal Aquifer Setting, environmental isotope, and hydrochemical analysis, in-order to identify where and when groundwater surface water interaction is occurring, and thus informing the prevention strategies of the negative effluence of such exchanges on WSUD. The analysis of data collected through pumping test approach which were conducted in March, October 2015 and June 2016, showed that average transmissivity ranged from 15.08m2/d to 2525.59m2/d, with Phillipi Borehole (BG00153) having the highest and Westridge borehole 1 (G32961) having the lowest transmissivity values based on Theis solution by Aqua test analysis. Theis solution by excel spreadsheet analysis showed that average transmissivity ranged from 11.30m2/d to 387.10m2/d with Phill (BG00153) having the highest transmissivity and Bellville 2 (BG46052) having the lowest transmissivity. Storativity values ranged from 10-3 to 10-1 with Phillipi borehole (BG00153) having the highest storativity and Lenteguer borehole 1(BG00139) having the lowest values from both analysis. Average transmissivity visual maps showed that highest transmissivity values within the Cape Flats Aquifer can be obtained around the Phillipi area towards the southern part of the aquifer. Storativity maps also showed that the greatest storativity values can be obtained around Phillipi and Lenteguer area. These findings reveal that MAR would be feasible to implement around the Phillipi and Lenteguer area, where aquifer storage and discharge rates are higher.

Description

Magister Scientiae - MSc (Environ & Water Science)

Keywords

Citation