Determination of Groundwater Level Based on Rainfall Distribution: Using Integrated Modeling Techniques in Terengganu, Malaysia

Abstract

Development and effective utilization of groundwater resources is essential especially in semi-arid region and even in a region with abundant rainfall such as the study area for activities such as water supply and irrigation. The present study aims to analyze statistically the groundwater level data and rainfall data of 13 years (2000-2012) collected from the Department of Minerals and Geosciences Terengganu and Department of Irrigation and Drainage Terengganu for the seven (7) stations: Besut, Dungun Jerengau, Kemaman, Bukit, PakaLuit, Cherul at Ho, and Berang Menerong of Terengganu Malaysia. The sum of least square method was adapted to analyses the relationship of groundwater level variability with the rainfall distribution. The analysis indicated that the rainfall distribution has an influence on groundwater level in the study area due to positive relationship indicated by regression analysis. Although in some of the stations the influence is not much significant, that is the groundwater levels depends on runoff and other factors rather than rainfall. Such stations are Site 4930401 SG. Berang at Menerang Terengganu shows 14.7%, Site 4232401 SG. Kemaman at Jam. Air Puteh, Terengganu shows 27.2%, and Site 4732461 SG. Paka at KG.Luit, Terengganu shows 35.2%. The station that shows great influence of rainfall in determining the groundwater level is Site 5229436 SG. Nerus at KG. Bukit, Terengganu which has 58.5%, while the remaining stations are moderate.