Checklist 1: Water Abstraction
1. Water Demand Assessment
☐ Water demand determined
Future water demand must be calculated based on population size, consumption patterns, peak demand, and long-term development trends. This ensures that the abstraction system is correctly sized.
2. Hydrogeological Investigation
☐ Hydrogeological data available
Geological and hydrogeological conditions must be assessed to identify suitable aquifers, groundwater flow patterns, and long-term resource availability.
3. Abstraction Site Selection
☐ Suitable location selected
The abstraction location must be chosen based on water availability, protection from contamination, accessibility, and long-term operational feasibility.
4. Sustainable Yield Verification
☐ Sustainable yield confirmed
The groundwater abstraction rate must not exceed natural recharge. Long-term pumping tests and modelling are required to ensure sustainability.
5. Raw Water Quality Assessment
☐ Water quality evaluated
Raw water quality must be analysed to determine whether treatment is required and which processes are necessary to meet drinking water standards.
6. Wellhead Protection
☐ Well protection measures implemented
Protection zones and sanitary measures must be established to prevent contamination from surface activities, infiltration, or accidental pollution.
7. System Redundancy
☐ Redundancy provided
Redundancy must be included through multiple wells, independent aquifers, or backup pumping systems to ensure continuous operation during failures or maintenance.
8. Pumping Tests
☐ Pumping tests completed
Well performance must be verified through pumping tests under real operating conditions to confirm yield, drawdown, and long-term stability.