HYDROLOGICAL STUDY OF NASIA PROJECT GHANA

Abstract

Studies indicate that although the total water resources of Liana are large they are mal -distributed in relation to the time and need during the year. The uncertainty of occurrence of rainfall marked by alternate dry spell and heavy rain and fluctuation on seasonal and annual amount poses a serious problem for the country as a whole and the Northern Region in particular. Therefore care has to be taken to accurately locate, assess, intlligently plan, protect and harness this vital resource in the efficient and economical manner for optimum development. Hydrological analysis of Nasia Project is therefore carried to correctly assess the available water in the system and to maximize the use of the available water through well thought of plan. For storage studies, rainfall-runoff analysis was done and a model established for the basin. Long term flow data was obtained by using Thomas-Fiering Model and monthly dependable flows estimated. Flood analysis was done to obtain the design and construction floods. The irrigation plan involved optimal utilization of available land and water resources. Thus optimal cropping pattern was performed and the project water requirements estimated. Mass curve analysis was used to obtain the optimum storage of the reservoir and a conventional reservoir simulation operation plan was carried out.