Since its discovery and occupation in the XV century, Cape Verde volcanic archipelago
always had freshwater quantity and quality problems. These are directly related with
the prevailing semi‐arid climatic condition, under direct Sahara desert influence and
also by the islands topography. Precipitation regime is irregular, leading frequently to
extended drought periods. At Santiago, the biggest of Cape Verde islands, the water
origin for field’s irrigation and human consumption had always been the natural springs
and boreholes. The first’s wells for water extraction were done in the 70’s of last
century. With this new source and a growing population, the demand and pressure over
the groundwater resources is reaching the limit by excess of drainage for irrigation.
Several episodes of saltwater contamination have occurred near the cost, especially at
terminal parts of the creeks, where high permeability geological materials predominate.