Spatial Groundwater Quality Assessment Using Geostatistics in Puntland, Somalia

Abstract

Groundwater is an essential source of drinking and farming in Puntland state of Somalia. Puntland suffers from major water scarcity, the lack of safe drinking water in Puntland is a frequent problem. The objective of this study is to assess the groundwater quality using geostatistical algorithm based on Geographic Information System (GIS). In this research, we utilized ordinary kriging interpolation technique for generating the spatial distribution of groundwater parameters. Experimental semivariogram were tested for different models to identify the best fitted semivariogram model for each parameter and best fitted semivariogram models was chosen based on the lowest value of root mean square error (RMSE) value. The final map indicates that the majority groundwater quality in the study area are not suitable for drinking purposes in according to WHO water quality standards. The results of the research shows that it is vital to develop monitoring tools and management strategies for the groundwater in the region.

Keywords: Groundwater, Geostatisctis, GIS, Puntland, Somalia