.. _five_min_ref: ============================ Five Minutes Understanding ============================ This section delves into the project's origins from :term:`CDWS` and provides insights into the significance and straightforward understanding of the :term:`DC-resistivity` methods during the :term:`campaign for drinking water supply` (CDWS). What are :term:`ERP` and :term:`VES`? ---------------------------------------- :term:`Electrical resistivity profiling` (ERP) and :term:`vertical electrical sounding` (VES) represent subsurface :term:`geophysical` imaging techniques favored for :term:`groundwater` discovery during CDWS, particularly in developing nations. These methods are chosen for their affordability and suitability in sedimentary environments. Typically, ERP is employed first to identify conductive zones (anomalies) based on criteria such as anomaly :term:`shape`, :term:`type`, and local :term:`geology` [1]_; [2]_. Following this, VES is used to infer the presence of fracture zones and determine layer thicknesses. The combination of these methods aims to locate the most favorable drilling site expected to yield a flow rate at or above the required :term:`flow rate` (RFR). Why is :term:`RFR` crucial in :term:`CDWS`? ------------------------------------------------------------ The RFR is directly linked to the hydraulic system design, which depends on the population size within the target locality [3]_. For instance, a village hydraulic system (VH) is typically recommended for populations under 1000 (:math:`FR\geq 1 m^3/hr`). For populations between 1000 and 4000, an improved village hydraulic (IVH) system (:math:`FR\geq 3 m^3/hr`) is suggested, while urban hydraulic systems (UH) (:math:`FR\geq 10 m^3/hr`) are designed for larger populations exceeding 4000 ([4]_; [5]_; [6]_). Consequently, drilling that yields a flow rate below the RFR is deemed unsuccessful, necessitating further geophysical surveys in the area. This process not only incurs additional costs but also poses significant challenges in adhering to project timelines, a puzzle that many local companies strive to solve. What traditional techniques/tips are used to solve the unsuccessful :term:`drilling`? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Local companies typically propose up to three drilling locations, ranked by priority after the survey, to maximize their chances of achieving the required flow rate (RFR). However, the strategy of suggesting multiple drilling points does not always guarantee success, and locating the optimal drilling site to meet the RFR continues to pose significant challenges. .. figure:: ../example_thumbs/erp_scheme.png :target: ../example_thumbs/erp_scheme.html :align: center :scale: 60% :term:`DC-resistivity` methods. a) :term:`ERP` and :term:`VES` investigations. b) Priority for drilling operations based on traditional methods. How traditional techniques mitigate unsuccessful :term:`drilling` ? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Traditional methods to reduce unsuccessful drilling risks typically involve a blend of initial surface assessments, analysis of historical data, and the incorporation of local geological insights. Practices such as geological mapping, soil sampling, and the use of anecdotal evidence from community water wells are instrumental in gathering crucial pre-drilling information. Furthermore, tailoring drilling strategies to the specific subsurface conditions encountered, alongside applying empirical formulas rooted in the local geological and hydrological context, has proven effective in improving drilling success rates. Grasping these conventional techniques is essential to recognize the enhancements brought about by :code:`watex`. Merging contemporary :term:`machine learning` algorithms with established :term:`geophysical` approaches, :code:`watex` elevates the precision of groundwater discovery processes. This significant improvement in predictive accuracy diminishes the chance of drilling failures and also ensures a more efficient use of resources, paving the way for more sustainable water supply solutions. What's novel about using :term:`WATex` in :term:`GWE`? ------------------------------------------------------- :code:`watex` introduces "smart" algorithms, including pre-trained :term:`machine learning` models from :class:`watex.models.pModels`, to predict feasible :term:`FR` before initiating drilling operations. This innovative approach aims to enhance traditional :term:`geophysical` methods, decrease unsuccessful drillings, minimize unsustainable boreholes, and reduce financial losses. Additionally, when constraints, such as site restrictions, are inputted into the :class:`watex.methods.electrical.ResistivityProfiling` class, :code:`watex` can advise whether the auto-detected station is suitable for drilling. It also alerts users about selected stations near restricted areas, thereby informing decision-making processes effectively. Addressing the :term:`GWE` challenge during :term:`CDWS` has been a cornerstone in the development of the :code:`watex` project. .. topic:: References .. [1] Nikiema, D.G.C., 2012. Essai d‘optimisation de l’implantation géophysique des forages en zone de socle : Cas de la province de Séno, Nord Est du Burkina Faso. IST / IRD Ile-de-France, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, West-africa. .. [2] Sombo, P.A., Williams, F., Loukou, K.N., Kouassi, E.G., 2011. Contribution de la Prospection Électrique à L’identification et à la Caractérisation des Aquifères de Socle du Département de Sikensi (Sud de la Côte d’Ivoire). Eur. J. Sci. Res. 64, 206–219. .. [3] CIEH, 1993. évaluation de l’aide publique française (1981-1990) / Ministère de la coopération et du développement, Secrétariat permanent des études, des évaluations et des statistiques, in: Evaluations / Ministère de La Coopération et Du Développement ; 10). Paris : Ministère de la coopération et du développement, Secrétariat permanent des études, des évaluations et des statistiques, cop. 1992, p. 139 p. : tabl., couv. ill. en coul.; 30 cm. .. [4] CIEH, 2001. L’utilisation des méthodes géophysiques pour la recherche d’eaux dans les aquifères discontinus. Série hydrogéologie 169. .. [5] MHCI, 2012. Lancement des travaux de renforcement de l’alimentation en eau potable de Boundiali. Minist. l’hydraulique 15. .. [6] Mobio, A.K., 2018. Exploitation des systèmes d’Hydraulique Villageoise Améliorée pour un accès durable à l’eau potable des populations rurales en Côte d’Ivoire : Quelle stratégie ? Institut International d’Ingenierie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement.