INVESTIGATING ALLUVIAL AQUIFER FOR GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT IN KHANEWAL DISTRICT, SOUTH PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Investigations are made to study the aquifer dynamics and ground water fluctuation trends in Khanewal district (29◦52’03”N to 30◦44’30”N and 71◦32’19”E to 72◦28’31”E) of Punjab province. Water table of 2006-2015 was used for ground water delineation and its flow direction assessment. The aquifer parameters; hydraulic conductivity (K), specific yield (Sy), maximum drawdown (Sw), specific capacity (Q/Sw) and discharge (Q) were assessed for sufficient groundwater yield. Stratigraphic Profiling was performed for seventeen boreholes by using Ground Water Modelling Systems (GMS). ArcGIS10.2 was introduced for mapping of irrigation channels, water table delineation and aquifer characteristics. Results of stratigraphic profiling demonstrate the presence of fine to medium sand with some gravel with few of clay lenses. Aquifer has postured hydraulic conductivity (40-70 m/day), specific yield (25-40), specific capacity (1300-2100 cumecs/m) and average depth of water table (12m). Maps of water table elevations, depth to water table, hydraulic parameters of aquifers, average annual rainfall and surface water channels were produced. Analysis of groundwater maps display a declining of water table at the rate of 0.09 m/year in the area. Low water table decline rate suggests of the installment feasibility of shallow wells (200-250 ft.). Surface water resources should be utilized more efficiently to enhance recharge of the groundwater.