Aquifer Vulnerability: Its Protection and Management—A Case Study in Pangkalpinang City, Indonesia

Increased anthropogenic activity in urban areas has exacerbated the vulnerability of groundwater resources. The AVI, GOD, SINTACS, and DRASTIC methods were used to analyze groundwater vulnerability in Pangkalpinang City. Schlumberger vertical electrical sounding was used to determine the lithology and aquifer configuration in the study area. There are three vulnerability index areas in the city of Pangkalpinang. Low levels of aquifer vulnerability were generally found in the southeastern and northwestern parts of the study area, whereas high levels of aquifer vulnerability were discovered in the northern and southern parts of the study area. Areas with low aquifer vulnerability levels generally have low hydraulic conductivity values on the protective layer. In these areas, groundwater extraction is possible with a reasonable extraction pattern. Industrial areas can also be built by considering environmental aspects. In an area with high-level aquifer vulnerability, groundwater pollution must be considerably managed. The areas should not be designated for industrial areas and excess groundwater extraction.