Investigation of potential sites for ground water recharge in urban areas (Faisalabad)

Abstract

The increasing world population led to extensive agriculture and expansion of industries, thereby, putting greater demand on water. In the last few decades, an increasing awareness has thus been shown on the importance of occurrence and distribution of water on the earth. A great importance is now being given to hydrology all over the world in the development and management of water resources. The life on Earth is directly related to temperature, air and water. Salt water covers about 97% of the total water. Only 1% is available to living organisms. The quality of this 1% is continually being degraded. Some of it is contaminated and cannot support life. The scarcity of water has become an established factor now and the intensity of problem is increasing day by day. Human use of natural water particular of fresh water resources have increased steadily over the centuries. Ground water is used as main source of drinking water and about 30% of world’s fresh water is stored as ground water. By realizing the importance of the problem, the issue of decreasing levels in the ground water has been addressed globally. Various countries are adopting different strategies and plan to cope with the alarming situation. Artificial recharge of ground water has become a common practice around the globe during the last few decades. The project and study primarily focuses on the artificial recharge method of ground water. The study is based on different techniques and their application in the Faisalabad region of Pakistan. Through these studies and suggestions, we can improve the situation and decreasing levels of ground water. The recharged aquifers then can be used to provide water for purposes like drinking etc. Further the conclusions are drawn related to existing situation and recommendations are made for the proper management and preservation of groundwater.