New indicator based method SALDIT for delineation of natural groundwater recharge areas

Abstract

A structured approach based on indicators evaluation technique has been developed as a technical tool to help demarcating the potential groundwater recharge areas. The tool is a generic and can be applied universally. Based on a combination of field experience and expert opinion six measurable indicator parameters viz., Slope of the ground, Aquifer specific yield, Land and soil cover, Depth to groundwater table, Influence of surface geology and Topographic features of the location have been identified for assessing the groundwater recharge potential. The acronym SALDIT is formed from the highlighted and underlined letters of the indicator parameters for ease of reference. Each of these indicators was assigned a relative weight and importance ratings for the indicator variables based on the Delphi technique. The total indicator score derived by summing the individual indicator scores obtained by multiplication of importance ratings with the corresponding indicator weight can be used for delineating the potential groundwater recharge areas. In the paper the methodology is explained and the application of the method is given.