Effectiveness analysis of high-density electrical resistivity prospecting for potential areas of natural mineral water: A case study of Wutai County, Shanxi Province

To supply high-quality natural mineral water meeting drinking water standards, guided by aquifer characteristics identified in previous hydrogeological surveys, this study utilized the Wenner array of the High-Density Electrical Resistivity Method (HDER) to prospect for potential water sources in Dongshandi and Donglongquan villages. Measurements along three HDER profiles revealed low-resistivity anomalies indicative of two aquifer types: metamorphic rock fissure water and loose rock pore water. These findings were subsequently validated by dedicated exploration-production wells. The research confirms the effectiveness of the HDER for investigating natural mineral water reservoirs in Wutai County, thereby offering technical support for future development of these resources in Shanxi Province.