Delineation of groundwater potential zones using geo-spatial and AHP techniques: Ambo area, Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia

The town of Ambo in Ethiopia has experienced a severe lack of drinking water. The surface water resources in the region can be supplied with groundwater supplies that precisely pinpoint their recharge and prospective areas, which are frequently unsure for a variety of reasons. In this study, geographic information system (GIS)-based multi-criteria evaluation techniques (MCET) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) as a spatial prediction tool were utilized in exploring the groundwater potential of the study area. Rainfall, geomorphology, geology, soil, land use, slope, and drainage density were all included as affecting elements in the analysis. The weights of these criteria were calculated using the AHP technique with the Arc GIS 10.3 software and its sub-modules. The study's main conclusions were that groundwater-potential index values for the study area were estimated. The groundwater-potential zone evaluation of the study area was obtained as follows: very good (2.43%), good (4.78%), moderate (67.36%), poor (25.43%); and a groundwater potential zone (GWPZ) map of the sub-basin was prepared. The derived groundwater potential map was overlaid with borehole and spring data for validation and shows good correlations with that of existing borehole and spring data. Therefore, this study demonstrates a robust method of using GIS and AHP techniques that is efficient and useful in delineating and mapping groundwater potential zones. Any groundwater management project done in these regions would offer the greatest value. Similar studies should be deemed important before planning a water resource development activity, as it would save the expense of comprehensive field trips, which are time-consuming.