Hydro-Economic Mapping of Groundwater Potential in the Kunene and Omusati Regions, Namibia

This study focuses on mapping groundwater potential in Namibia’s Kunene and Omusati regions that face severe water scarcity due to arid conditions and limited surface water. The research integrates hydrogeological data, water quality assessments, recharge projections, and economic feasibility to create a spatial framework for sustainable water resource planning. Kunene, dominated by hard rocks, has limited aquifer potential, while Omusati, part of the Cuvelai-Etosha Basin, contains thicker sedimentary aquifers but suffers from poor groundwater quality, particularly high salinity and nitrate levels. A revised 1:250,000-scale aquifer potential map was developed using geological data, borehole yields from the GROWAS II database, recent studies, and fieldwork. Water quality was analyzed using major ions, fluoride, nitrate, and salinity, with a Water Quality Index (WQI) identifying high-risk areas. Sustainable groundwater yield and aquifer potential were assessed, incorporating climate change projections that indicate future declines in recharge, especially in Omusati and southeastern Kunene. Demand projections for urban and rural areas were combined with infrastructure cost estimates to assess the economic feasibility. The resulting water-resource opportunity map highlights areas where groundwater or surface water is viable, emphasizing the challenges faced by urban centers like Opuwo and Khorixas. While rural areas generally remain resource-positive due to low demand, the study underscores the need for site-specific investigations and improved data quality to support long-term planning in this water-stressed region.