Groundwater quality degradation due to salt water intrusion in Zanzibar Municipality

Groundwater in Zanzibar Municipality is progressively becoming more saline, indicating significant saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifers. Analysis of water samples from production boreholes revealed increasing levels of chloride, electrical conductivity, and total dissolved salts over time, with trends showing that saltwater ingress is still limited near shoreline areas like Beit-el-Ras and Mbweni but poses a high risk to the historic Stone Town area. The study, which combined current water quality data with historical records, highlights the potential for groundwater salinization due to increased pumping. To mitigate this issue, researchers recommend controlled groundwater extraction and the establishment of long-term monitoring programs.

Rubhera, R. A. M. M. (2015). Groundwater quality degradation due to salt water intrusion in Zanzibar Municipality. African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 9(9), 734–740. https://doi.org/10.5897/ajest2015.1931