Groundwater quality of unconfined aquifer in Demak Regency, Indonesia

Abstract

Industry and society utilize groundwater to meet their daily needs. The study area is located in Demak Regency, which is located in the northern part of Java Island. Administratively, Demak Regency covers 14 districts with a total population of up to 1.16 million inhabitants. The utilization of unconfined groundwater is an alternative to meet the needs of the community. The condition of the unconfined aquifer, which is the source of fresh water for the community, must meet the standards for public health. Thus, it needs a fundamental assessment of the condition of the unconfined aquifer in Demak Regency. The evaluation of unconfined aquifer is focused on physical and hydrogeochemical analysis. The method used was a field campaign by measuring the groundwater depth and analyzing 30 groundwater samples for physical and chemical analysis. The results of measurements of pH values in groundwater samples in the study area are between 6.68-7.84. The high pH is in the Districts of Mranggen and Kebonagung. Furthermore, the value of electrical conductivity (EC) is between 678-3,130 µS/cm. The samples that are close to the Java Sea conduct a higher EC value, which is located in the Sayung, Karangengah, Bonang, and Wedung Districts.