Impact of Borehole Characteristics and Aquifer Properties on Groundwater Quantity for Sustainable Rural Water Supply in Jigawa State, Nigeria

In Jigawa State, Nigeria, the sustainability of rural water supply is threatened by the inconsistent performance of boreholes, which frequently fail to deliver sufficient groundwater quantities due to inadequate design and poor understanding of aquifer dynamics. Consequently, the objective of this paper is to assess the impact of Borehole Characteristics and aquifer properties on Groundwater Quantity for Sustainable Rural Water Supply in six Local Government Areas (Dutse, Roni, Gwaram, Miga, Birniwa, and Auyo) of Jigawa State, Nigeria using ArcGIS to map groundwater potential zones. Results revealed significant variability in yields, ranging from 0.20 to 1.5 L/s, with a mean of 0.9 L/s, reflecting poor aquifer performance in the Basement Complex (mean specific yield 12.4%) compared to the Chad Formation (16.8%). High-yield zones, such as Tashena (27.9%) and Auyakayi (26.7%), benefited from sandy soils and low drainage density, enhancing infiltration. Borehole depth positively influenced yields in the Chad Formation, with optimal depths of 40 - 50 m, while fracture connectivity governed yields in the Basement Complex. Statistical analysis (p < 0.01) confirmed significant differences between formations, highlighting the need for site-specific designs. The study underscores the role of borehole characteristics in groundwater quantity, providing actionable insights for optimizing borehole construction and ensuring sustainable rural water supply in Jigawa State, with broader implications for semi-arid regions facing similar challenges.