BUILDING TOWARDS GROUNDWATER SUSTAINABILITY IN RURAL NORTHERN UGANDA, AFRICA

Water projects in water-stressed communities often focus on meeting the immediate need of access to safe water – usually, this means groundwater. However, the longevity of such projects depends not only on giving communities access, but also on equipping communities with tools to ensure the sustainability of the resource. Hydrological research and education facilitate water resource sustainability by building awareness of hydrologic systems and supporting prudent resource management including the resulting generated wastewater. Recent reconnaissance of the sustainability of groundwater resources and wastewater management practices at Restoration Gateway, an orphanage in rural northern Uganda, Africa, integrated hydrogeological research and education on several levels. Hydrologic education took place formally through science lessons taught at the orphanage school, and also informally through interacting with directors and staff. A basic understanding of the hydrologic setting at Restoration Gateway was established through field observations and tests, survey of available literature, visits to the local universities and collaboration with a survey/engineering team. Restoration Gateway staff members were interviewed to gather information on as-built designs, water usage and wastewater management practices at the orphanage. The knowledge gained enabled researchers to make recommendations to Restoration Gateway for preserving groundwater quantity and quality. The education efforts provided momentum for increased understanding and acceptance in the local community regarding groundwater sustainability.