Seismic technology groundwater: Using seismic technology from oil exploration, scientists have found a large underground water supply in Tanzania. This could change how people across Africa get water.
A New Way to Find Water
Hydrogeologist Fridtjov Ruden turned to oil industry tools after months of failed attempts to drill for water. By using seismic data, his team found freshwater deep underground. They drilled 600 meters to reach the water, uncovering a supply that could serve 2 million people for over 100 years.
“This is a game-changer,” said Elizabeth Quiroga Jordan, a petroleum engineer at Ruden AS, the company leading the project. The use of oil technology made finding water faster and cheaper.
Barriers to Using Oil Data
While seismic data can help find water, getting access to it is hard. Oil companies and governments often control these datasets.
When Ruden AS expanded its work to Somalia, it took three years to get the data they needed. The team had to assure officials that they were not looking for oil.
Abbe Brown, an expert from the University of Aberdeen, said oil data sharing is rare. Some countries like the UK and Canada want more transparency, but oil companies often resist sharing their data.
Africa’s Water Crisis
Africa has a serious water problem. Two-thirds of the population—about 1.34 billion people—lack enough water. Finding big underground reserves gives hope, but it won’t solve everything.
Water quality, poor infrastructure, and overuse of resources make solving the crisis harder. If groundwater is not managed well, it could run out quickly.
Quiroga Jordan said long-term solutions are key. “Sending aid every year is not the answer when we can create lasting solutions.”
Hope for the Future
The success in Tanzania shows how technology can solve big problems. By reusing tools from the oil industry, millions in Africa might gain access to clean water. This innovation could lead to a brighter, more sustainable future.
Seismic technology groundwater