Crystalline basement regions, although largely represented at continental scale, are characterized by a low groundwater resources availability. Groundwater in crystalline areas appear to be mostly limited to weathered and fractured reservoirs at sub-surface depths. But these resources are often disregarded in favor of surface water because of low yields and their vulnerability to anthropogenic contaminants. Recent specific studies have revealed the presence of significant groundwater resources beyond the superficial reservoirs traditionally exploited. However, only few specific information is available concerning these type of resources, especially concerning their structural aquifer morphology and their hydrogeological properties. This study demonstrates the presence of substantial groundwater resources in the Armorican Massif crystalline basement. These resources are associated to fault systems providing drainage capacity of connected reservoir storage. Water supply of the main permeable fault domain during pumping is ensured by sub-surface and burdened reservoir storage. The drainage capacity is dependent on the geometry of the main permeable fault. Sub-horizontal faults are the most efficient structures to warrant this function. Storage in burdened formations of the fault system appears to ensure high groundwater yield. This study establishes hydrodynamic and geochemical conceptualization of a fault system, and provides thinking points in term of management and protection to ensure groundwater resources availability.
