Kanyerere, ThokozaniFinini, Paula2022-11-212024-11-062024-11-062021https://hdl.handle.net/10566/17625Magister Scientiae (Integrated Water Resource Management)Springs have been a significant source of water for flora and fauna since the beginning of human history and, in some circumstances, the only source capable of supplying enough water to sustain domestic and agricultural water supplies. Research that expands our understanding of the potential and limitations of these resources has not focused much on springs that are located outside of karst environments. Groundwater discharge is part of the interaction that makes groundwater visible and sustains ecosystems. Groundwater discharges in rivers, springs, and wetlands forms groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs). GDEs are often complex, and poorly understood component of the natural environment. For example, identifying actual spots for spring discharges and validating previously mapped springs remains a challenge; hence, the focus of the current study, which, argues that if spring hydrogeology is not characterized first, then the influence of such springs on the environment and human needs cannot inform their action. This study aimed at providing improved knowledge and understanding of spring hydrogeology. Heuningnes catchment in South Africa was used as a case study. Three specific objectives were set as follows: 1] spring hydrogeology was characterized where new springs were identified, and old springs were validated/crosschecked. A springs map was produced and overlaid on a conceptual model of groundwater flow to describe subsurface conditions for spring occurrence; 2] Flow dynamics of springs were determined where spring flows were measured to estimate discharge rate; 3] the hydrogeochemistry of springs was assessed with hydrogeochemical processes responsible for temporal and spatial changes in the quality of spring waters were established for suitability of water for use by the environment and people. Results showed that the validated springs existed in upland, middle, and lowland within the study catchment. Most springs were associated with Table Mountain Group and Bokkeveld formations with fractures, lithological contacts, and faults that influenced the main flow paths for springs.enSpringsAgricultural water supplyGround waterHeuningnes catchmentUniversity of the Western Cape