International Journal of Advanced Technology & Engineering Research (IJATER)

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EVALUATION OF BOREHOLES OF DRINKING WA-

TER BY A GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM
(GIS) IN NORTHWESTERN COTE D’IVOIRE
(DIOULATIEDOUGOU)
Arthur Brice KONAN-WAIDHETa , Konan Emmanuel KOUADIOb , Brou DIBIa , Issiaka SAVANEc , Gabriel LAZARd
aGeosciences and Environment Laboratory, Jean Lorougnon Guede University of Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire
bScience and Technology of Water and Environment Laboratory, Felix Houphouet Boigny University of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
cGeosciences and Environment Laboratory, Nangui Abrogoa University of Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)
dPhysics Engineering and Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Vasile Alecsandri University of Bacau, Romania.

that can help to better integrate the local population in the

Abstract management of this borehole. The design and implementation of
The catchment management works in a spirit of sustainable a geographic information system (GIS) integrates information on
development is a necessity for the people of Denguelé. Its drilling can meet the needs of managers, private investors and
implementation requires a complete database. In this sense, it is professionals working in the field of water resources [3].This
essential to have detailed, reliable and well organized implies, a structuring of the data to build sustainable and scalable
information on the quality and environmental boreholes. The systems. Indeed, GIS are considered excellent analytical tools for
geographic information systems (GIS) provide tools to respond planning and management, given their ability to store,
to such concerns. The spatial databases allows to integrate manipulate and produce spatial information [4-5].Taking into
numerous data and provides opportunities for spatial and account the spatial data, the approach used is that of a
attribute queries. The aim of this study is to develop a user- geodatabase. This tool will provide the opportunity to quickly
friendly and effective tool to monitor and evaluate the drinking extract the necessary information and respondents to clearly
water drilling. The approach used is that of a geodatabase. The defined objectives [6] .The aim of this study is to develop a user-
implementation of such a tool and it use in GIS have proved friendly and effective tool to monitor and evaluate the drinking
relevant to the needs of sustainable management of water water drilling. Geographic information integrated in the GIS will
resources. The result of this work is a friendly interface that is therefore engage and pursue action to protect local drilling.
helpful for entering and implementation of tables well as query
the database for better management of information useful for Area of study
decision-making. This information system provides for managers
the tools for analysis and decision support for the planning and The department of Dioulatiedougou is part of Denguele’s
monitoring of boreholes projects in the region. region which extends throughout the North-west of Côte d'Ivoire
Keywords: GIS, Boreholes, Relational database model, (Figure 1).
Denguele, Côte d’Ivoire

Introduction
The drinking water is one of the struggles of the leaders in many
developing countries. Indeed, in many countries in the world,
there is a significant gap between water demand and resources
actually available [1]. In clear, clean water is not yet accessible
to all. Also, problems of water quality related primarily to health
risks to long-term need to be considered as essential for people
[2]. This concern is currently a priority for development actor’s
which account to invest considerable financial resources in the
Denguele’s region and especially in the department of
Dioulatiedougou. For this, it is necessary to have information Figure 1. Location of the area of Dioulatiedougou

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It has a humid tropical climate with two main seasons: a long dry
season from November to May and a big rainy season from June
to October. The rainfall varies between 1400 and 1600 mm.
Agricultural activities (cassava, rice, breeding, etc.), which
constitute the bulk of the economic activity of the department,
are closely linked to the rainfall and its distribution. Geological
formations comprising the basement of the department are a
succession of metamorphic schist and migmatitic bands rocks,
and especially plutonic rocks [7]. They are crossed by faults
mainly oriented NNE-SSW and a large area of crushed rocks
(mylonite) axis directed approximately NS extending from the
southern part of the Nafana’s region. On these formations are
developed ferralitic soils or even ferruginous soils of small
thickness, with low water retention capacity [8].The relief
resulting from the erosion of old rock formations henceforth
flattened, altitudes between 400 and 500 m, with some
culminating point to 801 m (Mount Gbande, west of Nafana),
and some valleys dug out by the streams, 300-400 m of altitude.
Figure 2. Conceptual diagram of the database
The main rivers are the Tienba in Eastern of Nafana and its
tributary the Sien, in the West, both flowing from north to south.
At present, the region that still bears the scars of those years of Conceptual Data Modeling (CDM)
conflict (structures and infrastructure absent or in poor condition)
saw the gradual return of the public administration and the In order to proceed in a sound way in the making of a GIS (like
resumption of development projects. in the making of any other information system), particular care
must be paid to the design of the database, which will be, so to
say, the foundations of the whole system.The diagnosis of the
Material and Methods current situation and analysis of needs, showed that the
information on boreholes is a given localized. Its management
The materials used for this study consist of data and software. therefore requires appropriate analytical tools that can handle
The design of the GIS required the use of a topographic map at correctly the problems of data localization, their links and
1/200 000, provided by the Abidjan Centre of Cartography and cartographic representation [9]. Also, the modeling of geospatial
Remote Sensing (CCRS), and descriptive data on drilling from data is one of the most important tasks in the process of
the direction of village water and data from the assessment developing a GIS [10-11]. For Carrion et al. [12], the conceptual
mission made in the region by SOGREAH’s foundation. Several model is defined as a concise, schematic, and univocal descrip-
software packages were used. These are: Microsoft Access 2007 tion of the data structure. Indeed, the construction of an efficient
for the treatment of descriptive data, Power AMC 9.5 for database and combination of relevant data to the project into a
conceptual data modeling and ArcGIS 9.3 for the implementation single application reduce cases of data redundancy, errors and
and analysis of spatial data. computational lag time [13]. The real-world objects are identified
as entities with two types of attributes: the attributes that give an
Design methodology of database development alphanumeric description of the object and the graphical
attributes that describe the geometry of the object. In case that a
The approach used to design the database is shown in Figure 2. relational database is chosen as the model for database designing,
the description is usually achieved by using a well-known model,
namely the Entity Relationship Model. A first approach to the
work has allowed making an inventory of existing data, being
acquired and available on the region. Then, only the relevant and
existing data to develop a database management system (DBMS)
on the topic concerned, but also may be collected were retained.

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Conception of the Geodatabase

The geodatabase system offers the possibility to deal with both

spatial and descriptive information. Its structure has a form of a
database management system for managing both spatial (raster,
vector) and descriptive data, in combination with a management
software of spatial information for their representation and visual
analysis [14]. Attribute data are created under Microsoft Access.
This data structure or data modeling is useful in the realization of
a GIS. The final step in the design of the database is integration
of tables in a Relational Database Management System
(RDBMS). In this sense, we used ArcGIS environment to
implement a spatial database by geo-referencing, digitizing, and
the development of a number of layers of information from
topographic maps and boreholes data.
Indeed, for the creation of the reference and maps, the corres- Figure 3. Main screen of the database constructed
ponding topographic map were digitized, projected, transformed
and corrected with the use of ArcGis. The projection used is the It allows the management and monitoring of the boreholes as
WGS 84 system. Five layers were digitized: the localities, the part of the drinking water supply projects. The system's role is to
limit of study area, the road network, the drainage network, and organize the specified data in tables [15]. The application offers
the layer of the sample points. The analysis data about the quality three distinct modes of querying the database which are:
of waters and the maintenance condition of pumps were stored in "Maintenance condition of pumps" mode,"Waters Quality" and
the geodatabase that is constructed for the study area. The mod- "Perspectives" modes. The application provides the user with a
ules ArcTools and ArcMap were used in order to join the map series of functions enabling it to establish dynamic links between
sheets and their corresponding layers, while the extension spatial ArcGIS and Microsoft Access. Other functions within the data-
analyst was used for the creation of thematic maps. Otherwise, base allow users to find and make updates. Microsoft Access can
the samples were taken directly at the output of the pumps in also automate the queries. The results of queries and reports will
suitable bottles and avoiding any air presence to be analysed in help users to focus, review and separate resources without having
the laboratory. to understand the subtlety of individual tables. Regular field
surveys used to refine the data compiled and complete some
Results thematic not covered. This tool should allow monitoring and
assessing the state of maintenance of pumps and / or water
quality in the region. A second complementary approach
Interface for consultation and data entry conducted on the site has achieved spatial data analysis.

For efficient operation of the database, we propose its use via an

Spatial Analysis of data related to boreholes
interface with the basic menu consisting of several modules that
allow consulting, editing and updating of GIS data (Figure 3).
A precise analysis of the spatial information of GIS can be used
to assess water quality and the maintenance of the pumps on the
study area in terms of environmental concerns.

Concerning waters quality

For groundwater collected in depth, the problems stem from

the chemical composition of these waters which are naturally
loaded in contact with geological formations. Thus summary

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physicochemical analyzes from samples show a variable

composition between different boreholes with generally the
presence of iron, manganese, copper, nickel and zinc, rarely
chlorides, chromium and arsenic and the absence a priori of lead,
cadmium and mercury (Figure 4).

Figure 5. Spatial variability of conductivity values

The analyzes have not shown any excessive concentrations of

chlorides, but between 50 and 60 mg / L for samples collected at
Bogoba and Farako. These values, however, are sufficient to
have a taste effect, especially if these concentrations vary over
time. In addition, because of reservations about the validity of the
measures and guidance of the villagers on the evolution of taste,
it is possible that higher concentrations may be observed at
times.

Concerning the maintenance condition of

Figure 4. Component of several chemical parameters in
waters
pumps

In terms of some parameters analyzed, only the water sample For the analysis of the proper well maintenance condition, we
taken from the borehole of Kougbeni is improper for zinc sought to establish a diagnosis of integration in a simple
compared to the guideline value defined by the World Health typology: good, fair or poor (Figure 6).
Organization (WHO).

In addition, other samples do not meet the reference values of

quality of drinking water:
- Excessive levels of iron in the water samples collected at
Kougbèni, Massadougou, Sokoura and Dagaba,

-Excessive levels of manganese for water samples taken at

Sienso, Bogoba and Farako,

- Too low conductivities (mineralization) for water samples

collected at Niénesso, Massadougou, Sokoura and Dagaba
(Figure 5).

Figure 6: Map of maintenance condition of pumps

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This choice is defined in terms of the general maintenance of the of an efficient database and the combination of all the data from
pump and the presence of a protective enclosure. relevant projects in a single application like a geodatabase reduc-
Thus, this typology is defined as follows: es the case of data redundancy.
-Good (good maintenance of the pump with a protective
enclosure); Indeed, geodatabases have already been widely used by various
-Average (partial maintenance of the pump but no gate at the authors [17-23] and it produces satisfactory results. Research
protective enclosure); priorities in information relating to the development and funding
-Bad (partial maintenance of the pump but not protective of programs to local markets, the various networks involved in
enclosure). the field of water resources has increased significantly. The main
Indeed, in most villages, the pumps do not have or was not challenge is to ensure the integrity between geographic and rela-
maintained (enclosure or ledge partially or totally degraded). tional data that are physically separated [24]. From the data
From the evidence provided, the organization of tasks within analysis it appears appropriate to rehabilitate existing pumps,
communities, generally, do not provide care for the maintenance preserve and improve the facilities of existing wells, realize new
of these facilities either by men or by women or children (women boreholes, or even abandoning some boreholes if possible. It
and children are responsible for collecting water). The villagers would also involve the public in the management of boreholes,
having few resources, raising funds necessary therefore can delay not only financially to the extent of their capabilities, but also the
the repairs of pumps for several weeks or months, and encourage responsibility of both, men and women to control the state, and
them to call people not or mainly not competent. So many pumps to maintain if any, installations in instead. Moreover, in the next
are now out of use. In order to ensure the sustainability of the field missions one might collect water samples for more
pumps, it is important to devote significant time to training and comprehensive analyzes of water quality in order to determine
awareness the villagers. To do this, it is proposed to set up a appropriate treatment devices. It would also increase the
management committee entrusted to a person in charge chosen boreholes so that people have water throughout the year. Note
by the village chief to whom reports are made regularly on that the sampled waters are rough waters that are used as such by
operation of the pumps. The defective state of some pumps leads the people without any treatment, hence the comparison to the
people to the consumption of water quality questionable (natural standards set for drinking water. For conductivity, the validity of
source, traditional wells and ponds) still present in many the results can be partially challenged; packaging samples used
localities. having been causing a lower solubility of minerals in water.
It is therefore necessary to have a health center in the main sub- However, no deposit at the bottom of the bottles was found
prefecture and thereby involve health workers to raise awareness before submitting samples to the laboratory. Conversely, in this
about hygiene and consumption of water quality. Indeed, context of possible underestimation of concentrations of metallic
considered as non-potable waters (natural sources, traditional elements, overtaking baselines highlighted for iron and
wells and ponds) are still present in many of these areas despite manganese and zinc are especially particular to consider. In
the presence of hydraulic pumps. This is a situation that needs to short, this application coupled with a geographic information
be clarified. Explanations that can be given are both sociological system is a real challenge for local development actors. The
and technical. Some villagers prefer spring water because they quality of waters resources and in turn the quality of the lives of
find it sweeter or more ice than water of the pump. One may also people can be mastered by a regular update of the database.
wonder if the defective condition of pumps, lack of maintenance
does not bring the villagers to use well water or ponds.
Conclusion
Discussion In this study, we used heterogeneous data to design a system of
spatially referenced information to respond to attempts to man-
This study demonstrated the value of implementing a GIS ap- age information after a development project. In particular, we
plication coupled with a relational database management system opted for the geodatabase model that allows the storage and
concerning the management of water resources. One of the management of geographic information in tables of a Relational
advantages of having geographic information in digital form is to Database Management System. Thus, the couple Microsoft
be able to access a variety of information [16].This GIS based on Access-ArcGIS has proved effective in such an approach. The
a relational database management system. Thus, the construction resulting application allows easy use of different data and gives

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scalability for the integration of future studies. The user interface (Case Study: Rural Maharashtra State, India) ", Proceedings of
is composed of three distinct modes of interrogation namely how the World Congress on Engineering 2012 Vol II,WCE 2012,
"Maintenance condition of pumps" and "Waters Quality" and July 4 - 6, 2012, London, U.K.
"Perspectives" who meet the requirements management of the [6] P Barazzuoli, M Bouzelboudjen, S Cucini, L Kiraly, P. Meni-
work performed during a borehole campaign. It is clear from the cori and M. Salleoni, "Olocenic alluvial aquifer of River Cor-
data analysis that the pumps are in an advanced state of nia coastal plain (southern Tuscany, Italy): Database design
deterioration and in some places the waters are of poor quality. It for groundwater management ". Environmental Geology, 39
involves the rehabilitation of pumps and the search for good (2): 123-143, 1999.
quality water that could supply the villages with low production [7] K. B. K. Pothin, "Pétrographie et géochimie des formations
capacity. The results confirm that GIS are excellent analysis tools précambriennes de la région d'Odienné (Nord-Ouest de la
to provide valuable assistance in the planning and monitoring of Côte d'Ivoire). Thèse de Doctorat d’Etat, Université Nationale
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[9] S.Larrivée, Y. Bédard et J.Pouliot,"Fondement de la Modéli-
The paper was written during the research stage financed by
sation Conceptuelle des Bases de Données Géospatiales 3D ",
Romanian Government through the “Eugen Ionescu” scholar-
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ship.
2006.
The authors are thankful to IJATER Journal for the support to
[10] G.Pennober, O. Odon, J-L. Join et J-L. Folio, "Approche par
develop this document.
analyse spatiale de la faisabilité de captage d'eau souterraine
sur le Massif du Piton de la Fournaise (île de La Réunion -
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 International Journal of Advanced Technology & Engineering Research (IJATER)
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[17] D.J. Wright,"The arc marine data model, geoinformatics, vol d’Ivoire in 2005. Currently, He is an assistant Professor of hy-
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[18] M. Soutter, M. Alexandrescu, C. Schenk and R. Drobot, His teaching and research areas include Boreholes, geomorphol-
"Adapting a geographical information system-based water re- ogy and GIS. Dr KOUADIO may be reached at emmakoua-
source management to the needs of the Romanian water au- dio@hotmail.com
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S41. Dr DIBI Brou obtained his Ph.D. degree in Hydrogeology from
[19] E. A.C. Costantini and G. L’Abate, " The soil cultural herit- the University of Cocody, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire in 2008. Cur-
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", Quaternary International 209 (2009) 142–153. rougnon Guede University of Daloa. His teaching and research
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the integration of traditional scientific knowledge in support- may be reached at
ing artisanal fisheries management in southern Brazil ", Jour- dibrou2003@yahoo.fr
nal of Environmental Management, vol.90, pp. 2071-2080,
2009. Prof. SAVANE Issiaka obtained his Ph.D. degree in Hydroge-
[21] B. Jia, Q-m Su., C. Liu and H-j. Li, "Spatial data modeling ology from the University of Cocody, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire in
for coalfield geological environment ", Journal of coal science 1997. Former Director of training and research unity of Science
and engineering, Vol.16 No.3 Sep. 2010, pp300–305. and Environmental management at Abobo-Adjamé University of
[22] M. J. Bunch, T. V. Kumaran and R. Joseph, "Using Geo- Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. He is currently Director of Research and
graphic Information Systems (GIS) For Spatial Planning and head Geosciences and Environment Laboratory at Nangui
Environmental Management in India: Critical Considerations Abrogoua University of Abidjan, Teaching Assistant at
", International Journal of Applied Science and Technology University Center for Research and Remote Sensing Application
Vol. 2 No. 2; pp40-54, February 2012. at the University of Cocody, Abidjan. He has also over 20 publi-
[23] A.B. Konan-Waidhet, B. Dibi, K. E. Kouadio, I. Savane, V. cations in international journals and conferences to his credit. His
Nedeff and G. Lazar, "Improving food security using GIS da- teaching and research areas include Hydrogeology, Remote Sens-
tabase for mechanized rice farms management in northwestern ing and GIS. Prof. SAVANE may be reached at
Cote d’Ivoire ", Environmental Engineering and Management savanei@hotmail.com
Journal, January 2013, Vol.12, No. 1, 41-48.
[24] Y. Barbier, Ph. Lejeune, M. Dufrêne and J. Rondeux, "An Prof. dr. LAZAR Gabriel obtained his Engineer Diploma in
ArcGIS-based tool for the relational data management assis- Physics Engineering at Bucuresti University, Romania, Physics
tance of Natura 2000 habitat units in the Walloon Region ", Faculty in 1989 and Ph.D. degree in Physics at Al.I.Cuza Univer-
Belgium Biotechnol. Agron. Soc. Environ. 2009 13(2), 243- sity of Iasi, Romania, in 1999. Currently, He is Prorector of the
248. Vasile Alecsandri University of Bacau, Romania, Director of the
research center Physics and Environment Engineering, Ph.D.
Coordinator, High education and research. He was the tutor of
Biographies many African students who received the scholarship funded by
the Romanian government. He has also over 20 publications in
Dr KONAN-WAIDHET Arthur Brice obtained his Ph.D. de-
international journals and conferences to his credit. Prof. dr. LA-
gree in Remote Sensing and GIS from University Center for
ZAR may be reached at glazar@ub.ro.
Research and Remote Sensing Application at the University of
Cocody, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire in 2007. Currently, He is an as-
sistant Professor of Remote Sensing and GIS at Jean Lorougnon
Guede University of Daloa. His teaching and research areas in-
clude geodatabase, Hydrogeology, Remote Sensing and GIS. Dr
KONAN-WAIDHET may be reached at konanwab@yahoo.fr.

Dr KOUADIO Konan Emmanuel obtained his Ph.D. degree

in Hydrogeology from the University of Cocody, Abidjan, Côte

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