Factors influencing groundwater behaviour and performance of groundwater-based water supply schemes in rural India

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study investigates the factors influencing groundwater behaviour during the monsoon using data on rainfall, pre-monsoon depth of the water levels, groundwater level fluctuations, aquifer specific yield, and soil infiltration characteristics. It shows the effect of pre-monsoon depth of the water levels along with rainfall, soil infiltration and specific yield in controlling recharge during the monsoon. It also explores the factors influencing the performance of drinking water schemes. It shows that the intensity of irrigation demand, extent of gravity-based surface irrigation, aquifer storage space, and the aquifer recharge potential are important determinants for the sustainability of the groundwater-based drinking water schemes.