Hydrogeochemical characterization of Jaffna’s aquifer systems in Sri Lanka

Mikunthan, T.; Vithanage, Meththika; Pathmarajah, S.; Arasalingam, Sutharsiny; Ariyaratne, Badugodahewa Ranjith; Manthrithilake, Herath

doi:10.5337/2014.001

Cited by 19 publications

(29 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…The Jaffna Peninsula is situated between a longitude of 79 • 54 -80 • 2 E and a latitude of 9 • 30 -9 • 50 N. It is geographically bounded to the north and east by the Indian Ocean, and to the west by the Palk Strait, with the southern areas extending into the mainland of the country, covering about 1000 km 2 of land with 160 km of coastline and no location being more than 10 km away from the coast [22].…”

Section: Study Areamentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Gradient Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, the lowest and highest salinity levels were observed in the western and southern zones, respectively. The western zone towards the land with a large spatial distribution of karstic aquifer [22] ensures low variation of salinity compared to the other zones. However, a change of 0.2 mS/cm was identified between the early and latter part of the dry season in the western zone.…”

Section: Gradient Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Since, there are no major water supply schemes or perennial rivers in the Jaffna Peninsula in northern Sri Lanka, groundwater use has grown progressively, and acts as the only source of water. Subsequently, over-extraction of groundwater and deterioration in water quality have been observed, basically due to excess application of fertilizer, intensive agriculture, high water usage for domestic purposes due to increased population associated with resettlement and development projects in post-war period, lack of awareness of the community, and improper maintenance and operation of existing barrages [21,22]. A recent study of 44 wells clearly revealed that wells on the northwestern side of the peninsula were more saline than elsewhere on the island [22].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Subsequently, over-extraction of groundwater and deterioration in water quality have been observed, basically due to excess application of fertilizer, intensive agriculture, high water usage for domestic purposes due to increased population associated with resettlement and development projects in post-war period, lack of awareness of the community, and improper maintenance and operation of existing barrages [21,22]. A recent study of 44 wells clearly revealed that wells on the northwestern side of the peninsula were more saline than elsewhere on the island [22]. Monitoring studies have confirmed a significant imbalance between the draw-off and recharge rates [23], which is a significant problem in the shallow karstic aquifer on the Jaffna Peninsula.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Application of Geospatial Techniques for Groundwater Quality and Availability Assessment: A Case Study in Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka

Gunaalan

Ranagalage

Gunarathna

et al. 2018

IJGI

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Groundwater is one of the most important natural resources in the northern coastal belt of Sri Lanka, as there are no major water supply schemes or perennial rivers. Overexploitation, seawater intrusion and persistent pollution of this vital resource are threatening human health as well as ecosystems in the Jaffna Peninsula. Therefore, the main intent of the present paper is to apply geospatial techniques to assess the spatial variation of groundwater quality and availability for the sustainable management of groundwater in the coastal areas. The electrical conductivity (EC) and depth to water (DTW) of 41 wells were measured during the period from March to June 2014, which represents the dry period of the study area. Surface interpolation, gradient analysis, a local indicators of spatial autocorrelations (LISA) and statistical analysis were used to assess the quality and availability of groundwater. The results revealed that the drinking and irrigation water quality in the study area were poor and further deteriorated with the progression of the dry season. Good quality and availability of groundwater were observed in the western zone compared to other zones of the study area. A negative correlation was identified between depth to water and electrical conductivity in the western zone. Hence, relatively deep wells in the western zone of the study area can be used to utilize the groundwater for drinking, domestic and agricultural purposes. The outcomes of this study can be used to formulate policy decisions for sustainable management of groundwater resources in Jaffna Peninsula.

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Section: Study Areamentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Gradient Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Gradient Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Application of Geospatial Techniques for Groundwater Quality and Availability Assessment: A Case Study in Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka

Gunaalan

Ranagalage

Gunarathna

et al. 2018

IJGI

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Groundwater mapping and locally engaged water governance in a small island terrain: Case study of Karainagar island, Northern Sri Lanka

Karthiga,

Rameshwaran,

Ketheesan

et al. 2023

World Water Policy

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Groundwater is a vital resource under threat in island communities. Karainagar, a 22 km2 island, is one of seven islands off the coast of Jaffna in Northern Sri Lanka, with its population of just about 11,000 persons, experiences seasonal water shortage, and salinity in groundwater as twin threats impacting on their lives. This paper reports on a 3‐year study (October 2019 to September 2022) to map groundwater dynamics of Karainagar island spatially and seasonally and discusses the patterns revealed in terms of community needs, policy implications, and governance ideas that could already be considered by relevant authorities and citizens jointly. Thirty‐six dug wells used for drinking, domestic, agricultural, and public purposes were selected, and water level, salinity, and pH changes recorded along with daily rainfall. This paper offers a thorough description of the geography, land use, distribution of wells, and water bodies, followed by discussion of the current status of the groundwater in Karainagar island. Year‐to‐year differences in rainfall pattern resulted in different rates of change and range in water level with a corresponding reverse pattern seen in salinity with some exceptions across the island. Cumulative rainfall required to reach full capacity of wells ranged from 652 to 892 mm over the 3 years with an average figure of 739 mm of rain. This implies that any further rainfall during early phase of the main rainy season is potential surface water for storage and runoff. Practices such as unregulated pumping and construction of tube wells are argued to be contributing to increase in salinity levels with health implications for residents. A participatory governance approach that overcomes limitations of the existing institutional approach is proposed. Its success based on broad stakeholder engagement, improved equity, and transparency when supported by adequate policies and village level aquifer monitoring will enable sustainability of groundwater resources in Karainagar.

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Institutional pathways for transforming groundwater planning and management: Reflections from Pakistan and Sri Lanka

2023

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The growing issues with groundwater quality and quantity worldwide are particularly impacting regions of South Asia, where groundwater use plays a crucial role in human well‐being. As the severity of the situation becomes clearer, there are increasing calls for transformation in water management. In this paper, we consider institutional influences on transforming groundwater management by reflecting on our recent collaborative research in Pakistan and a scoping study in Sri Lanka. In Pakistan, we have shown that it is possible for previously “siloed” stakeholders to develop shared understandings of the groundwater situation and build useful and enduring practice networks. Such shared understandings can support collaborative planning, but must be informed by effective monitoring and modeling, and an institutional willingness to think beyond traditional formal regulatory tools. Regional and local scale planning could encourage interactive processes for broader thinking. Given the similarity in the human‐groundwater situation between parts of Pakistan and Northern Sri Lanka, we undertook a small study to see if similar collaborative research would be valuable there. Our brief visit confirmed commonalities in the situation. By reflecting on our experience in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, we make a case for encouraging and embracing collaborative research as part of transforming water resources management. Our approach emphasizes the important contributions of both water managers and users and encourages ways of integrating paradigms, knowledge, norms, and practices. Establishing genuine co‐inquiry among groundwater managers and users requires a deeper appreciation of the constraining and enabling roles established institutions can play and thus ultimately a transformation in institutional arrangements.

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Hydrogeochemical characterization of Jaffna’s aquifer systems in Sri Lanka

Cited by 19 publications

References 39 publications

Application of Geospatial Techniques for Groundwater Quality and Availability Assessment: A Case Study in Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka

Application of Geospatial Techniques for Groundwater Quality and Availability Assessment: A Case Study in Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka

Groundwater mapping and locally engaged water governance in a small island terrain: Case study of Karainagar island, Northern Sri Lanka

Institutional pathways for transforming groundwater planning and management: Reflections from Pakistan and Sri Lanka

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