Identification and evaluation of groundwater resources for small rural and aboriginal communities in Chaco, Argentina

Abstract

In this work the main results of the first humanitarian geophysical project founded by GWB in Argentina are presented. The objective of the project is the search of groundwater resources for small rural and aboriginal communities in Miraflores (Chaco) using electrical prospecting methods. The study site faces serious water scarcity and quality problems. It is located on one of the poorest regions of the country with high child malnutrition and infant mortality rates. From a hydrogeological point of view, the only sources of freshwater are small shallow-buried paleochannels which have sandy textures and therefore capacity for storing water. In order to identify these paleochannels, Vertical Electrical Soundings and Electrical Resistivity Tomographies were performed in priority areas. Based on the analysis of geoelectrical data, 10 new wells were drilled and hand-operated pumps were installed to protect and facilitate water extraction. The results of the project have a direct impact on the quality of life of local communities and also provides solid basis for replicating this type of study in other critical areas of Chaco.