Groundwater dynamics and balance in the western part of greater Kushtia district of Bangladesh

Abstract

Groundwater dynamics and balance have been studied for the assessment of groundwater abstraction status in the western part of grater Kushtia district, Bangladesh using data from 28 groundwater level monitoring wells, 180 lithologs, and one rainfall station for the period 2001-2007. The groundwater levels in the study area were found to vary at a depth between 0.0 m and 9.34 m. During peak season of groundwater abstraction (pre-monsoon), the maximum and minimum groundwater level with respect to mean sea level (MSL) were found to vary from 9.36 to 11.3 m and 2.3 to 4.9 m, respectively, whereas in post-monsoon these values were found to vary from 13.2 to 15.6 m and 7.6 to 9.6 m, respectively. The groundwater flow in the area was driven by topography, directed from the northwest to the southeast. This study revealed a declining trend in groundwater table both in pre- and post-monsoon seasons in the area. It has also been noticed that the rate of declination is increasing with time. The volumetric analysis of groundwater also showed a net negative balance, which indicates overexploitation of groundwater. The study concluded that the unsustainable utilization of groundwater resources in the study area has caused depletion in groundwater table.