(1) Geology, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia, (2) Geology, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, USA, (3) Miami Univ - Ohio, Dept Geology and Environ Earth Sci, Oxford, OH, USA, (4) Geology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA,
Abstract:
This study investigated the potential influence of unlined sewage ponds on drinking water quality in the Garden community of Lusaka, Zambia. A comprehensive assessment was conducted, including a geologic survey to determine groundwater flow paths and laboratory analyses of water samples from hand-dug wells. The geologic survey revealed a regional groundwater flow path trending northwest of the sewage ponds, suggesting potential for sewage effluent to influence groundwater quality along with the communities' drinking water sources. The results of this study will be reported to the Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company (LWSC) and the University of Zambia to inform mitigation strategies and public health interventions.
Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025