Northwater provided geology, engineering and hydrogeology services to investigate the feasibility of a groundwater development program west of Arequipa, Peru. The team covered hundreds of square kilometers mapping the geologic formations of the desert plain and front range mountains around Arequipa. The biggest challenge in the plain is the prevalence of brackish water. The residents of this desert plain have dire water issues and are paying high prices for water that is trucked in from Arequipa. The team became familiar with the previously mapped formations of the Pre-Cambrian, and the Jurassic to Quaternary, along with examining existing wells, springs and areas of recharge.

Based on the reconnaissance, a geophysical exploration program was designed for several target areas. However, it was determined that there were low probabilities to discover a fresh source of groundwater to serve the larger villages. The team provided alternative strategies for providing fresh water in a sustainable and cost-effective manner to the residents of several villages.