A GIS-based methodology to delineate potential areas for groundwater development: a case study from Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Vishnu P. Pandey,Futaba Kazama,Sangam Shrestha

doi:10.1007/s13201-013-0094-1

Vishnu P. Pandey, Futaba Kazama + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-013-0094-1

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Abstract

For an effective planning of activities aimed at recovering aquifer depletion and maintaining health of groundwater ecosystem, estimates of spatial distribution in groundwater storage volume would be useful. The estimated volume, if analyzed together with other hydrogeologic characteristics, may help delineate potential areas for groundwater development. This study proposes a GIS-based ARC model to delineate potential areas for groundwater development; where ‘A’ stands for groundwater availability, ‘R’ for groundwater release potential of soil matrix, and ‘C’ for cost for groundwater development. The model is illustrated with a case of the Kathmandu Valley in Central Nepal, where active discussions are going on to develop and implement groundwater management strategies. The study results show that shallow aquifers have high groundwater storage potential (compared to the deep) and favorable areas for groundwater development are concentrated at some particular areas in shallow and deep aquifers. The distribution of groundwater storage and potential areas for groundwater development are then mapped using GIS.

Highlights

Depletion of water levels in aquifers and decline in design yield of wells due to excessive pumping in the absence of adequate knowledge on groundwater availability are becoming a major concern across the globe (Babikar et al 2005; Kendy et al 2003; Konikow and Kendy 2005; Pandey et al 2010; Reddy 2005; Saha et al 2007; Shah et al 2000)
The study results show that shallow aquifers have high groundwater storage potential and favorable areas for groundwater development are concentrated at some particular areas in shallow and deep aquifers
There is no shallow aquifer layer in some south-eastern and south-western parts aquifers, total groundwater storage volume is equal to 2,024 MCM

Summary

Introduction

Depletion of water levels in aquifers and decline in design yield of wells due to excessive pumping in the absence of adequate knowledge on groundwater availability are becoming a major concern across the globe (Babikar et al 2005; Kendy et al 2003; Konikow and Kendy 2005; Pandey et al 2010; Reddy 2005; Saha et al 2007; Shah et al 2000). As a response to the problems, approaches like artificial aquifer recharge, managed aquifer recharge, recharge area protection, and construction of underground storage dams are being discussed and practiced to some extent (e.g., Bouwer 2002; Dillon 2005; Kumar et al 2008; Mills 2002; Scanlon et al 2002; Shah et al 2000; Tuinhof and Heederik 2003). For an effective planning of the activities aimed at recovering aquifer depletion and maintaining the health of groundwater ecosystem, estimates of groundwater storage volume and its spatial distribution could be useful. The development in this paper refers to groundwater extraction. Such estimates could further be used for planning conjunctive use and developing management interventions aimed at sustainable use of the groundwater resources

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