Abstract:
In Sri Lanka, almost all people have either direct or indirect connection to the groundwater resources.
Rapid urbanization, deforestation and land use changes have recently incurred adverse impacts on
groundwater recharge, leading to groundwater table decline and drying up of wells. A quantitative analysis of
groundwater utilization and recharge loss due to urbanization and subsequent land use change was carried out
in this research. Attanagaluoya (Dunamale catchment) and Kirindioyabasin (Thanamalwila catchment) were
the study areas selected in wet and dry zones, respectively. The 4-parameter “abcd” monthly water balance
model was developed to be compatible with the research objectives based on the gathered and simulated
stream flow, groundwater and recharge data and the calibrated and validated model was then used in further
analyses and quantitative assessment of recharge loss. The results indicate severe impact on groundwater recharge
in dry zone in the future. Further, sustainable groundwater management and proper land use policies to
overcome groundwater recharge loss in both wet and dry zones were proposed based on scenario analyses.
Citation:
Dilhara, M.A.A.R., & Rajapakse, R.L.H.L. (2016). Assessment of groundwater resource utilization in wet and dry zone aquifers in Sri Lanka and quantifying recharge losses due to urbanization and land-use change. In M.T.P. Hettiarachchi (Ed.), Proceedings of the Civil Engineering Research Symposium 2016 (pp. 1-4). Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa.