Ground-Water Potential Evaluation of West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh State, India—A GIS Approach

Voluminous geoscientific data related to various ground-water parameters provide enormous scope for using the Geographic Information System (GIS) to draw meaningful conclusions on the ground-water propsects of an area. To demonstrate the efficacy of the GIS for ground-water studies, information on the parameters controlling ground water such as lithology, geomorphology, structure, and recharge condition of West Godavari district were analyzed using ARC/INFO GIS. Existing maps and records were used as data. An evaluation of ground-water potential and generation of a map showing three major hydrogeological conditions with distinct ground-water prospects which would serve as a basic tool in the exploitation of ground-water resources of the district has resulted. The study has also revealed that the GIS techniques are time/cost-effective and can be employed successfully in the planning stages of a ground-water exploration programme. In addition, the GIS data generated for the study of ground-water prospects can be updated and used for the planning and management of ground-water resources of the district.