Aquifer monitoring and community engagement in groundwater management for water security in northern Sri Lanka

Karthiga, I. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0123-6934; Rameshwaran, P. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8972-953X; Ketheesan, B. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9801-7091; Sriskandarajah, N. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9429-6767. 2022 Aquifer monitoring and community engagement in groundwater management for water security in northern Sri Lanka. In: International Water Conference 2022, Ratmalana, Sri Lanka, 14-16 Dec 2022. Ratmalana, Sri Lanka, National Water Supply & Drainage Board, 256-263.

Before downloading, please read NORA policies.

Text N533932BC.pdf - Published Version Restricted to NORA staff only Download (922kB)

Abstract/Summary

A paper presented on 16 December 2022 during a Technical Session relating to the sub-theme 'Water Management, Cooperation and Partnership'. Groundwater (GW) in monsoonal rain-dependent Northern Sri Lanka is stressed. Seasonal shortage and saline intrusion are serious issues in seven islands off Jaffna. Aquifer monitoring with well owners involved was done in Karainagar Island. Deteriorating water quality in recent times led to drinking water being transported from the mainland. Thirty-six multi-purpose wells were sampled weekly during wet and monthly during dry seasons. Results from the water year November 2020 to October 2021 are presented. Water levels (WL), Electrical Conductivity (EC), and pH were measured. Water from most wells was then unsuitable for consumption. pH value of all wells was within the recommended range (6.5-8.5). Few wells were significant outliers. Several owners were competent in aquifer monitoring, aware of the vulnerability of water supply, the importance of rainwater infiltration and the need to stop deepening wells, a rising trend in the mainland. New knowledge of local water dynamics, citizen engagement, and involvement of government agencies would enhance the community's quality of life, lowering the possibility of further out-migration of people.

Item Type:	Publication - Conference Item (Paper)
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Hydro-climate Risks (Science Area 2017-)
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	Entire Proceedings available via Official URL link.
Additional Keywords:	groundwater, aquifer, citizen engagement, Karainagar Island
NORA Subject Terms:	Hydrology
Date made live:	19 Apr 2023 11:44 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/533932

Actions (login required)

View Item

Document Downloads

More statistics for this item...