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Hydrology and hydrogeology for water supply, mines and dams
We assess surface water and groundwater for water supply, mining, dams and hydropower, from single farm boreholes to whole catchments.
Typical questions include how much a borehole will yield, whether a pit needs dewatering, and how seepage from a tailings facility could affect groundwater. We answer them with field testing and numerical modelling.
What we do
Water resource assessments
Surface and groundwater availability for farms, towns, industry and mines, with sustainable abstraction estimates.
Pumping tests
Design, supervision and analysis of step and constant-rate tests to establish borehole yield and aquifer properties.
Hydrogeological investigations
Aquifer characterisation, borehole siting, water level and quality monitoring, and mine dewatering assessments.
Surface and groundwater modelling
Numerical models of catchments and aquifers for abstraction, dewatering and contamination scenarios.
Hydro-forecasting
Seasonal to sub-seasonal streamflow forecasts to support hydropower generation planning and water allocation.
Permeability testing for dams
Lugeon (packer) testing of foundation rock to guide grouting and seepage control.
What you receive
- Hydrological, hydrogeological and water resource reports
- Pumping test analyses with recommended pumping rates
- Calibrated numerical models and scenario results
- Monitoring plans for water levels and water quality
- Seasonal streamflow forecasts
Selected projects
| 2025–26 | Mpongwe aquifer water balance study for Zambeef, including pumping tests and a catchment groundwater model |
| 2023 | Pumping tests for Zambeef Products PLC |
| 2020 | Water resources assessments for Zambeef's Kalundu, Huntley and Chambatata farms |
| 2020 | Lugeon tests of dam foundation rock, Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project |
| 2019 | Seasonal to sub-seasonal hydro-forecasting for power generation, SSE Hydro, Scotland |
| 2013 | Hydrological study of the Chambishi Mine area |
Projects before 2023 were carried out by our engineers before Rockface was formed. All projects