ASSESSMENT OF GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL IN CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT USING ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY METHOD (CASE STUDY: CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC BAUCHI)

This project addresses the challenges of low water yield and inefficient borehole siting within the Civil Engineering Technology Department of the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi by assessing the groundwater potential using the Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) technique with the Schlumberger array. Five (5) VES stations were surveyed, and the data were processed and inverted using the WINRESIST software. The results consistently revealed a four- to five-layer subsurface structure characterized by the H-type curve (High-Low-High resistivity pattern), which is typical of the Nigerian Basement Complex terrain. The layers generally consist of lateritic topsoil, a conductive clayey layer, a weathered basement, and a resistive fresh basement at depth. The primary aquifer was delineated within the weathered basement horizon. Comparative analysis identified VES 2 and VES 3 as the most promising locations. VES 2 exhibited the most favorable conditions, featuring a protective clay layer overlying a thick aquifer zone (27.1m thick), while VES 3 also showed strong potential with an aquifer thickness of 14.6m. Based on these findings, specific drilling targets are recommended: 35 meters at VES 2 and 22 meters at VES 3 to ensure full penetration of the identified productive zones. The study successfully delineates high-potential groundwater zones, providing a scientific and cost-effective guide for sustainable water resource development in the department and minimizing the risk of drilling abortive boreholes.