Ground Water Level Monitoring in Mali and Ghana, West Africa

In order to evaluate groundwater supply and sustainability of that supply within a hydrologic system, time-series groundwater level data are needed.  These data can be difficult to find, especially in areas such as West Africa.  To address the paucity of time-series groundwater level data in West Africa, groundwater level monitoring sites were established in rural areas of Mali and Ghana in January 2006.  Pressure transducer data loggers were deployed at five existing community hand-pumps in each country.  In Mali, the program has been expanded during October 2008.  In Ghana, the program was suspended in April 2008, but will hopefully be re-established soon.  These water-level data are needed for the long-term evaluation of ground water sustainability.  This presentation will address some of the difficulties faced in the field with establishing and maintaining groundwater level networks and review administrative technical challenges presented at the sites and for the overall program.