A comparative study of pond linings for effective water storage in arid and semi-arid regions

Rainwater harvesting ponds (RWHPs) are increasingly promoted in arid and semi-arid regions to enhance water storage and agricultural resilience amidst erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells. However, seepage losses remain a major constraint, largely attributable to inadequate lining practices. This study evaluates the field performance and cost-effectiveness of five commonly used lining materials: kaolinite, bitumen, vertisol, an 80 µm-thick polyethylene geomembrane, and masonry riprap, under natural rainfall conditions in Burkina Faso during the 2024 rainy season. A randomized, full-scale field experiment with four replicates was conducted to assess infiltration rates, material behavior over time, and practical construction aspects. Bitumen exhibited the highest water retention performance, reducing seepage by 85%, though it is the most expensive option. Kaolinite represents an optimal trade-off between performance and affordability, reducing infiltration by 82% while remaining substantially more affordable and accessible to rural communities. Vertisol's performance improved mid-season due to clay swelling and natural vegetative cover. In contrast, the geomembrane showed a 10% drop in efficiency due to early degradation, and masonry riprap proved the least effective but exhibited marginal improvement over time. Beyond hydraulic performance, the study also assessed material availability, installation techniques, labour requirements, and environmental considerations. These findings collectively highlight the critical importance of context-specific material selection to optimize RWHP design for effective water storage in resource-constrained settings. By combining technical data with practical insights, this study provides evidence-based recommendations for engineers, practitioners, and policymakers aiming to scale up climate-resilient, cost-effective water storage infrastructure for smallholder farming communities.