Deep groundwater deposits in southern Angola (Cuvelai Basin)

Begin of project: September 1, 2019

End of project: December 31, 2022

Status of project: November 13, 2020

Aerial view of the Cuvelai Basin Source: BGR

The water supply in Angola is ensured almost exclusively via surface waters (rivers, lakes, reservoirs). Although the resources available here currently still provide a sufficient amount of water to supply the population, industry and economy, there are growing problems with the quality and distribution of the water. This applies to metropolitan areas such as Luanda, but also particularly to remote rural regions. A recommended alternative to surface water is the use of suitable aquifers. Based on the geology of Angola, it can be assumed that usable aquifer systems are available, particularly in the Cuvelai-Etosha Basin (CEB).

The BGR intends to carry out work in the field of hydrogeological exploration and assessment in priority areas in the Cuvelai Basin in Angola. This work is closely linked to existing house and TC projects of the BGR and will be combined with work on the Pro! Africa of the BMWi and cross-border networks such as the Cuvelai Watercourse Commission.

Study area Source: Copyright TerraMetrics, LLC – www.terrametrics.com

A cross-border groundwater system between Angola and Namibia, including its feed, is to be recorded and modeled. For this purpose, existing geological, hydrogeological and pedological structures are processed.
Samples from existing groundwater measuring points and wells are to be examined in the BGR laboratories for inorganic constituents, age and new formation. In addition, support should be given to use geophysical exploration methods to explore the underground structure at strategically important points and to record the groundwater systems. BGR's partner in Angola is the Instituto Geológico de Angola.