Helmand Basin Ground Water Assessment
The overall goal of this subtask is to evaluate the ground-water resources and its water quality in the Helmand Basin and capacity building.
Specific objectives are to:
- Describe the geological, geomorphological, and hydrogeological setting
- Create an inventory of existing wells, and collect existing water level information and associated water quality
- Create a water-resources assessment network
- Drill new wells as needed
- Collect water level and water-quality data as needed
- Perform a ground-water modeling effort
- Aid in the creation of a ground-water and water-quality management plan
- Perform capacity building
An analysis of the geologic and geomorphological setting in the Helmand Basin has begun. In addition, issues regarding the Helmand Valley were discussed with DACAAR, USCOE, Afghan Geological Survey and several Ministries during a March trip to Afghanistan in order to develop a plan for action. USGS probably will involve DACAAR and Afghan Geological Survey in the data collection and interpretative efforts as part of the capacity building efforts in Afhanistan.
