The Hydrogeological Conditions in Islamabad in the Context of Groundwater Footprint Ewa Krogulec

Abstract

In Islamabad (Pakistan), surface water and groundwater extract water from shallow alluvial sediments are the sources of water supply. The direct research on hydrogeological conditions in Islamabad, carried out in 2020, included chosen hydrogeological field studies, physicochemical analyses of groundwater, surface water, precipitation and the investigation of and sediments permeability. The purpose of the hydrogeological research was to join the discussion on groundwater hazards and to recommend actions to overcome problems related to water supply. The study results indicate lithological heterogeneity of shallow aquifer, vertically and spatially variable, good chemical status of groundwater and groundwater recharge constituting 10 to 20% of annual precipitation. The groundwater is characterized by a high groundwater footprint, from 5747.8 to 11495.6 km2 depending on recharge variant, documenting the threat to the water. The research results made possible to present recommendations to protect groundwater and water management in Islamabad.