Hydrogeological study and evaluation of water resources of the Collo Basin, Skikda, Algeria

Abstract

The Collo Basin, a small coastal aquifer, consists of three different alluvial units characterized by different hydraulic properties. If adequately managed, alluvial unit No. 3, being the best aquifer, is capable to supply domestic water for the city of Collo in the short and the long run as well. The estimated rate of water withdrawal from unit No. 3 exceeds more or less that of direct recharge by precipitation, causing hence a lowering of the water table. Consequently, recent chemical analyses of water samples show that groundwater is, to some extent, further contaminated by sea water. Therfore, it is time for local authorities to take some legal measures prohibiting any additional well drillings in this area as to prevent a possible disaster until all hydrological parameters are identified with certain degree of accuracy.