The Delineation of the Langat Basin Aquifer Based on Geological and Hydrogeological Characterization of Three Urban Areas of Malaysia

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study is to find out the hydrogeological settings and aquifer properties of Kajang, Bangi, and Semenyih urban areas to overcome the mismanagement of groundwater. Study Design: The scarcity of groundwater is one of the major concerns of urbanization in growing populated countries like Malaysia. Lack of knowledge of subsurface geology, hydrogeology and aquifer properties is the main reason for the groundwater mismanagement of the Langat Basin. Place and Duration of Study: The study targeted three growing urban areas Kajang, Bangi and Semenyih of Malaysia. Data were collected from the Mineral and Geosciences Department, Malaysia. Borehole logs, pumping tests and groundwater level monitoring data have been analysed and interpreted for this study. Methodology: Subsurface logs have been produced by the Strater Demo4 software; Water level analyses have been done by the groundwater level monitoring data, the contour map was plotted by using ArcGIS software with calculated groundwater head values and the Pumping test curve has been prepared by using Excel 2007. Results: Study areas are situated in Kenny Hill formation. Water is pumped from four types of formations they are; hard rock, weathered sedimentary, shallow sedimentary and a combination of alluvium and hard rock. Groundwater flow direction is controlled by the topography, from the hilly north-eastern side to the low elevated south-western side. The identified aquifer condition of the Kajang area is confined, boundary and consolidated fractured. Water is pumped from the confined fractured aquifer in Bangi town and from the leaky, consolidated fractured and unconfined aquifer in Semenyih town. Transmissivity and Specific capacity of all types of aquifers show a range of 2.35m2/day to 25.92m2/day and 2.64 m2/day to 41.28m2/day respectively. Conclusion: This study will help to establish robust policies for the sustainable development of groundwater.