ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

At first, the author acknowledges the blessings of almighty Allah & also gratitude to
Chittagong University of Engineering & Technology (CUET) which provide the
facilities & help in this project. This project would not have been possible without the
guidance & the help of several individuals who in one way or another contributed and
extended their valuable assistance in the preparation and completion of the study.
First and foremost, the authors express their outmost gratitude to honorable project
supervisor, Professor Dr. Sudip Kumar Pal, Department of Civil Engineering,
Chittagong University of Engineering & Technology (CUET), whose sincerity and
encouragement we will never forget. It is with immense gratitude that they
acknowledge the support and help of Dr. Sudip Kumar Pal, for his keen interest,
valuable, suggestion, Proper guidance, encouragement, contribution of new ideas &
excellent guidance throughout this work. During this field work his presence inspired
them to finish this work perfectly. Without his valuable direction & cordial assistance,
it would have been impossible to carry out this study under a number of constraints,
time limitation is particular.
It gives them great pleasure in acknowledgement the support and help of Dr. Moinul
Islam, Professor & head, Department of Civil Engineering, Chittagong University of
Engineering & Technology (CUET), for financial assistance. The authors are thankful
to the authority of selected school and locality people for helping them by giving
resourceful information & permission for opening the well in their institute.
 ABSTRACT

Ground water forms the major portion of earth's fresh water source and it is almost
safe to drink. Chittagong Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (CWASA) supplies
water to the city dwellers for their daily water uses, of which 50% is collected from
groundwater. Moreover, some privately owned industrial, commercial, residential
building people are also collecting water mostly from ground. So continuous pumping
causing depletion of ground water table day by day in Chittagong city.
In this investigation, 5 wards have been selected for study among 41 wards of
Chittagong city. The water level data has been collected from CWASA office. We use
the ground water level data of 12 Deep Wells of selected areas. GIS software were
used to generate ground water depletion map. Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW)
method was used in GIS for this purpose. From those map we can have an idea rate of
change of the ground water table in studied area. Also the results have been compared
to the previous studies.
From the investigation, it has been observed that water table was found different at
different wards & finally it is concluded that depletion is occurring day by day.
 CHAPTER-1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 General

Groundwater is by far the most abundant and readily available source of freshwater,
followed by lakes, reservoirs, rivers. Where surface water, such as lakes and rivers,
are scarce or inaccessible, groundwater supplies many of the hydrologic needs of
people everywhere. It is the source of drinking water for about half the total
population and nearly all of the rural population, and it provides over 50 billion
gallons per day for agricultural needs. Since the 1960's, groundwater has been used
extensively as the main source of safe drinking water.

Groundwater is one of the most important natural resources in world, which by one
estimate accounts for about 80% of the water present at any one. According to a 2010
review of water allocation, the number of groundwater consents accounts for 68% of
all international consents. In terms of the allocated volume for consumptive use,
groundwater allocation is about 12% of the total annual allocation. Groundwater has
come to be the mainstay of irrigated agriculture in many parts of Asia, especially in
populous South Asia and the North China Plain. Between them, India, Pakistan,
Bangladesh and North China use over 380-400 km' of Groundwater annually, over
half of the world's total annual use. The area irrigated by groundwater wells shot up
from 4% in 1972 to 70% in 1999 in Bangladesh (Mainuddin, 2002). Groundwater is
fundamental to many of the world's major ecosystems. Water flows between
groundwater and surface waters. Most rivers, lakes, and wetlands are fed by, and (at
other places or times) feed groundwater, to varying degrees. Groundwater feeds soil
moisture through percolation, and many terrestrial vegetation communities depend
directly on either groundwater or the percolated soil moisture above the aquifer for at
least part of each year.

Investigations on the groundwater table has been done previously in 2011(Mirdad &
Mannan, 2011) and in 2012(Taher, 2012) in the Chittagong city. Both of the
investigations have been done specifically in 18 wards of Chittagong city. From the
investigation the seasonal variations of water table have been determined and it has
been found that groundwater depletion has been occurred in most of the places. It has
also been stated that the main reason behind this groundwater depletion is due to
continuous pumping of water and increasing paved area.

Chittagong is the second largest city of Bangladesh. At present city's land area is
around 157 km2 inhabited by over 5 million people. Chittagong water supply and
sewerage authority (CWASA) is the authority for water supply and only supply water
one third of the city dwellers. Rest of the people depends on shallow tube well and
deep tube well; in other word they depend on groundwater. According to CWASA, to
meet the daily need of water of the city dwellers 500 million liters of water is needed
among which 220-240 million liters are collected from groundwater (Prothom Alo, 11
September, 2014). But recently in Chittagong city, some problems have been found
regarding water supply due to lowering of water table. So, city dwellers are suffering
from scarcity of fresh drinkable water. So to know the present situation of the ground
water table of the city, an initiative has been taken to find the water table as it is a
vital & safe source of water.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Following problems are identified in the investigation in Chittagong City Corporation:

 Though CWASA supplies water to the city dwellers mostly from ground water
only 1/3rd of water demand can be met by from this supply.
 Depletion of groundwater table day by day.
 Scarcity of fresh drinkable water.
 No organization is taking any step toward rain water harvesting.

1.3 Objectives

Considering the identified problems & justification, the following objectives have
been selected for the investigation-

 To determine the seasonal variation of groundwater table in Chittagong city

 Corporation.
  To determine groundwater table fluctuation from previous study.
 To prepare a GIS map based on depth of Groundwater table.

1.4 Organization of the Thesis

The organization of this thesis is as follows:

 In Chapter 2, groundwater & its sources have been introduced. Depth of water
 table according to CWASA has been shown. Problems & causes of
groundwater depletion in Chittagong city also have been discussed
 In chapter 3, methodology & different devices used in the investigation, to
find out the current situation of the water table in Chittagong city, has been
discussed.
 In chapter 4, results of the investigation, GIS map of the Chittagong city based
on groundwater table & graphical representation of the results have been
shown.
 In chapter 5, artificial recharge of groundwater has been recommended to
overcome this crisis of groundwater depletion."
 In Chapter-6, findings of the investigation have been shown and proper
recommendations have been suggested.
 CHAPTER-2
LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 General

Groundwater is the major source of drinking water in both urban and rural area.
Besides, it is an important source of water for the agricultural and the industrial
sector. Water utilization projections put the groundwater usage at about 50%. So with
the increasing population and increasing demand of groundwater, it is essential to
gather knowledge about groundwater.

2.2 Aquifer

An aquifer is a layer of porous substrate that contains and transmits groundwater. The
characteristics of aquifers vary with the geology and structure of the substrate and
topography in which they occur. In general, the more productive aquifers occur in
sedimentary geologic formations.

2.2.1 Water table aquifer

Water table aquifers are the saturated portions of the upper soil profile located above a
confining layer. It is also called as unconfined aquifer. Confined and unconfined
aquifer has been shown in Fig 2.1
 Fig 2.1: Confined & unconfined aquifer

2.2.2 Artesian aquifer

An artesian aquifer is a confined aquifer containing groundwater under positive

pressure. This causes the water level in a well to rise to a point where hydrostatic
equilibrium has been reached. It is also called confined aquifer. Artesian aquifer has
been shown in fig 2.2

Fig 2.2: Artesian aquifer

2.3 Source of groundwater

The major sources of groundwater are

1. Meteoric water.
2. Condensational water.
3. Connate water.
4. Juvenile water or magmatic water.
5. Mixed source water.
2.3.1 Meteoric water

It includes waters formed by infiltration of atmospheric precipitation like rain, sleet,

snow, hail etc. as well as by the infiltration of water of rivers and lakes. Water of such
origin apparently constitutes the bulk of ground water, which is evident from the
fluctuation of water level in the wells with the changing of seasons.

2.3.2 Condensational water

This water is mainly the source of replenishment of ground waters particularly in

deserts and semi deserts, where precipitation is scanty and there is rapid evaporation.
In such regions, there is ground water at certain depth below the surface. The process
is, the moist air at the surface of the earth is always warmer than the air of the soil,
particularly in summer. Accordingly, there exists a difference in the pressure between
the water vapor in the atmosphere and in the soil. Because of the pressure gradient,
water vapor from the atmosphere penetrates the rocks and are converted to water
through condensation when the temperature falls. This may lead to the accumulation
of a certain amount of water in rocks in arid and desert regions.

2.3.3 Connate water

This is also known as fossil water and includes water entrapped in sediments at the
time of their deposition on lake or sea bottom. They are classified in to two types as
syngenetic and epigenetic connate water. The syngenetic connate water was trapped
in the sediments containing it, whereas the epigenetic connate water is those which
entered from the basins into the rocks that had formed earlier. Connate water often
occurs in rock units with oil.

2.3.4 Juvenile water or magmatic water

It is known as magmatic water as it is associated with the magmatic activities within

the crust. With the cooling of magma, its gaseous contents and water vapor etc.
separate out from it. The water vapor then gets condensed into superheated water and
move upwards from a region of high temperatures and pressures to that of low
temperature and pressure. This is also called virgin water.

2.3.5 Mixed source water

It is quite natural to expect that along their complex-migration routes the aforesaid
waters get mixed up and thus constitute ground water of a mixed type.

2.4 Springs

A spring is a component of the hydrosphere. Specifically, it is any natural situation

where water flows to the surface of the earth from underground. Thus, a spring is a
site where the aquifer surface meets the ground surface.

2.4.1 Gravity Spring

Gravity Springs Gravity springs result where water moves from the water table
aquifer through a permeable formation to the land surface or where the land surface
intersects the water table. There are three principal types of gravity springs:
depression springs, contact springs, and fracture or tabular springs. A depression
spring is formed when the land surface intercepts the water table in permeable
material. A contact spring is formed when downward movement of water is restricted
and deflected laterally to the land surface by a layer of impervious material. Fracture
or tabular springs are formed when water emerges from fractures or joints in rock,
from solution channels in limestone or gypsum, or from natural tunnels in basaltic
lava.

2.4.2 Artesian Spring

When a water-bearing bed is confined between relatively impervious strata and water
is introduced from a higher elevation, the confined water is said to be under artesian
pressure. Artesian springs rise where these confined permeable strata are exposed near
the surface. They also may rise where the confining formation over the artesian
aquifer is ruptured by a fault or where the aquifer discharges to a lower topographic
area. Artesian spring has been shown in Fig 2.3
 Fig 2.3: Artesian spring

2.4.3 Hot Spring

Springs that bring water that is at least 6.5°C higher than the mean temperature are
called hot springs. There are hot springs all over the world. In Bangladesh there is a
hot spring at Shitakundu in the Chandranath Hill Range, Chittagong.

2.5 Geysers

A geyser is a spring characterized by intermittent discharge of water ejected

turbulently and accompanied by a vapor phase (steam). Generally, surface water
works its way down to an average depth of around 2,000 meters (6,600 ft.) where it
contacts hot rocks. The resultant boiling of the pressurized water results in the geyser
effect of hot water and steam spraying out of the geyser's surface vent.

2.6 Groundwater Table

The water table is the surface where the water pressure head is equal to the
atmospheric pressure. It may be conveniently visualized as the "surface" of the
subsurface materials that are saturated with groundwater in given vicinity. However,
saturated conditions may extend above the water table as surface tension holds water
in some pores below atmospheric pressure. Individual points on the water table are
typically measured as the elevation that the water rises to in a well screened in the
shallow groundwater.
2.6.1 Groundwater situation in Bangladesh

Groundwater is one of the most important natural resources in Bangladesh. The

aquifers in Bangladesh are highly productive. The tropical monsoon climate together
with favorable geological and hydro geologic conditions indicts high potential storage
of groundwater in the country. Water tables are typically at around 1-12m below the
ground surface. This factor has made groundwater attractive & easily accessible
resource. 97% of the total population are dependent on groundwater either directly or
indirectly. The number of tube wells is approximately 6-11 million & most of them
penetrate the shallow aquifers to depth typically 10-60m. (zahid et al.2004)

The unconsolidated near surface Pleistocene to Recent fluvial and estuarine sediments
underlying most of Bangladesh generally form prolific aquifers. Thick semi-
consolidated to unconsolidated fluvio-deltaic sediments of Miocene age to the recent
form many aquifers. But except the Dupi Tila sandstone formation of the Plio-
Pleistocene age, others are too deep to consider for groundwater extraction except in
the hilly region (18 percent of Bangladesh). Most of the groundwater withdrawn for
domestic or agricultural purposes in the Barind and Madhupur uplands areas is from
the Dupi Tila aquifers. The floodplains of the major rivers and the active/inactive
delta plain of the GBM Delta Complex occupy 82 per cent of the country. From the
available subsurface geological information, it appears that most of the good aquifers
occur between 30 to 130 m depth. These sediments are cyclic deposits of mostly
medium to fine sand, silt and clay. The individual layers cannot be traced for long
distances, horizontally or vertically. (BWDB, 2004)

Groundwater levels are near ground level during August-October &lowest in April-
May. The groundwater recharge characteristics suggest that the actual recharge can be
increased by creating additional storage through increased abstraction during dry
season.

2.6.2 Ground Water Table in Chittagong City According to CWASA

The position of groundwater table in Chittagong city is in such a state that it is getting
tougher day by day to pump water from shallow tube well. Thus, deep tube well or
WASA supply is necessary almost every place in city. According to CWASA they
have 92 deep tube well permanently in all city area. Location & depth of all the deep
tube well has not been found as the authority of CWASA provides location and depth
of some deep tube well. Location and depth of some deep tube well of CWASA are
shown in Table 2.1.

According to the CWASA, they have 96 deep tube wells among which 92 tube wells
are successfully extracting water from aquifers daily. Productivity of maximum deep
tube wells has decreased to around half due to continuous depletion of water table.
That is why almost every building residential or commercial has deep tube well of
their own. As an example in ward 08 CWASA have 5 tube wells but most of the
residential buildings have deep tube wells of their own. Because deep tube wells of
CWASA are not sufficient to supply water to all the buildings.

There is no observation well in Chittagong city. So the specific lowering cannot be

found in Chittagong city area.

2.6.3 Reviews from the previous study

Investigations on the groundwater table has been done previously according to the list
of school from Chittagong city corporation, in 2011(Mirdad & Mannan, 2011) and in
2012(Taher, 2012) in the Chittagong city. Both of the investigations have been done
specifically in 18 wards of Chittagong city. The findings of the studies were as
follows:

• Groundwater table was lowering rapidly in most of the places.

• Main reason behind this groundwater depletion was due to continuous pumping of
water and increasing paved area.

• Arsenic contamination was on alarming situation in some of the ward.

2.7 Man Made Problems on Groundwater System

Pumping water out of the ground faster than it is replenished over the long-term
causes similar problems. The volume of groundwater in storage is decreasing in many
areas of the Bangladesh in response to pumping. Groundwater depletion is primarily
caused by sustained groundwater pumping. Some of the negative effects of
groundwater depletion:

• Lowering of water table

• Reduction of water in streams and lakes.

• Saltwater intrusion.

• Increased pumping costs.

• Land subsidence.

• Sinkhole formation

2.7.1 Lowering of the water table

The most severe consequence of excessive groundwater pumping is that the water
table, below which the ground is saturated with water, can be lowered. For water to be
withdrawn from the ground, water must be pumped from a well that reaches below
the water table. If groundwater levels decline too far, then the well owner might have
to deepen the well, drill a new well, or, at least, attempt to lower the pump. Also, as
water levels decline, the rate of water the well can yield may decline.

2.7.2 Reduction of water in streams and lakes

There is more of an interaction between the water in lakes and rivers and groundwater
than most people think. Groundwater contributes to streams in most physiographic
and climatic settings. The proportion of stream water that comes from groundwater
inflow varies according to a region's geography, geology, and climate. Groundwater
pumping can alter how water moves between an aquifer and a stream, lake, or wetland
by either intercepting groundwater flow that discharges into the surface-water body
under natural conditions, or by increasing the rate of water movement from the
surface-water body into an aquifer. A effect of groundwater pumping is the lowering
of groundwater levels below the depth that streamside or wetland vegetation needs to
survive.

2.7.3 Salt water intrusion

Saltwater intrusion involves contamination of freshwater aquifers with saltwater. All

of the water in the ground is not fresh water; much of the very deep groundwater and
water below oceans is saline. In fact, an estimated 3.1 million cubic miles (12.9 cubic
kilometers) of saline groundwater exists compared to about 2.6 million cubic miles
(10.5 million cubic kilometers) of fresh groundwater (Gleick, P. H., 1996: Water
resources). Under natural conditions the boundary between the freshwater and
saltwater tends to be relatively stable, but pumping can cause saltwater to migrate
inland and upward, resulting in saltwater contamination of the water supply. Saltwater
intrusion has been shown in fig 2.4

Fig 2.4: Saltwater intrusion

2.7.4 Increased costs for the user

As the depth to water increases, the water must be lifted higher to reach the land
surface. If pumps are used to lift the water (as opposed to artesian wells), more energy
is required to drive the pump. Using the well can become prohibitively expensive.

2.7.5 Land subsidence

The basic cause of land subsidence is a loss of support below ground. In other words,
sometimes when water is taken out of the soil, the soil collapses, compacts, and drops.
This depends on a number of factors, such as the type of soil and rock below the
surface. Land subsidence is most often caused by human activities, mainly from the
removal of subsurface water.

2.7.6 Sinkhole formation

A sinkhole, also known as a swallow hole, shake hole, swallet or doline, is a

depression or hole in the ground caused by some form of collapse of the surface layer.
Within many causes of sinkhole formation groundwater depletion is noticeable.

Sinkholes may vary in size from 1 to 600 m (3.3 to 2,000 ft) both in diameter and
depth. Sinkholes may be formed gradually or suddenly, and are found worldwide.
Sinkhole formation has been shown in fig 2.5
 Fig 2.5: Sinkhole formation

2.8 Problems Occurring Due to Lowering of Water Table in Bangladesh

2.8.1 Arsenic Contamination

Recent studies in Bangladesh indicate that the groundwater is severely contaminated

with arsenic above the maximum permissible limit of drinking water, Excessive
groundwater extraction is the vital reason for creating a zone of aeration in clayey and
peaty sediments containing arseno-pyrite. Under aerobic condition, arseno-pyrite
decomposes and releases arsenic that mobilizes to the subsurface water. The
mobilization of arsenic is further enhanced by the compaction of aquifers caused by
groundwater withdrawal.

Recent studies in Bangladesh indicate that the groundwater is severely contaminated

with arsenic above the maximum permissible limit of drinking water. In 1996,
altogether 400 measurements were conducted in Bangladesh. Arsenic concentrations
in about half of the measurements were above the maximum permissible level of 0.05
mg/l in Bangladesh. In 1998, British Geological Survey (BGS) collected 2022 water
samples from 41 arsenic affected districts. Laboratory tests revealed that 35% of these
water samples were found to have arsenic concentrations above 0.05 mg/1. Studies by
SOES and DCH in the Ganges delta exhibited that 59% of the 7800 groundwater
samples had arsenic concentrations greater than 0.05 mg/l. So far from August 1995
to February 2000, SOES and DCH had jointly analyzed 22003 tube-well water
samples collected from 64 districts in Bangladesh. Five years sampling results
indicate that out of 64 districts in Bangladesh, arsenic in groundwater is above 0.01
mg/l in 54 districts and above 0.05 mg/l in 47 districts. The experts from Bangladesh
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) have been found the highest
level of arsenic contamination, 14 mg/l of shallow tube-well water in Pabna. The
recent statistics on arsenic contamination indicate that 59 out of 64 districts of
Bangladesh have been affected by arsenic contamination. Approximately, arsenic has
contaminated the ground water in 85% of the total area of Bangladesh and about 75
million people are at risk. It has been estimated that at least 1.2 million people are
exposed to arsenic poisoning. The reported number of patients seriously affected by
arsenic in drinking water has now risen to 8500. (Safiuddin.2011)

At Chittagong city, Arsenic is in a dangerous level. A team of researchers of

Chittagong University of science and technology (CUET) conducted a survey in
Chittagong metropolitan areas from 2010 to 2011. According to the survey, arsenic
contamination is at hazardous level at the tube wells of wards No- 6,11,17,

18,19,24 and 25. There are 41 wards in CCC. Of the wards, tube wells at 13 wards are
arsenic contaminated, the research said. The level of arsenic contamination is more
than .5 ppm in East Sholoshahar (Ward-6), South Kattoli (ward-11), North Halishahar
(Ward-26) areas while arsenic level at West Bakalia (Ward-17) is .4 ppm and South
bakalia (Ward-19) is .3 ppm in the waters of shallow tube wells, the survey report
added. According to the survey, arsenic contamination in the waters of South Agrabad
(Ward-27) is 0. (Ward-38) is 0.04 ppm, at south Halishahar (Ward-39) is 0.04 ppm
and at North Patenga (Ward-40) is 0.04 ppm which are hazardous for public health.
Prof Swapan kumar Palit of CUET conducted the survey in association with the
Institute of Engineers, Chittagong Center and Bangladesh Environment Forum. The
research fellows who worked with Dr Swapan Kumar Palit were Abdul Malek and
Nayem Uddin (The Daily Independent, 25th February, 2012).

2.8.2 Scarcity of Safe Drinking Water

The scarcity of safe drinking water in Bangladesh is very common especially in the
big cities like Dhaka, Chittagong etc. and is expected to worsen as the country
experiences the effects of groundwater depletion, experts say. Even in Dhaka, people
have been reporting dwindling water supplies. Groundwater levels in the city are
falling drastically as a result of excessive extraction to meet its growing needs.
Dhaka's underground aquifers are usually recharged with water that percolates
underground in nearby districts, but the levels of underground fresh water in those
districts have also dropped, allowing seawater to start seeping into the aquifers (The
guardian, 7th May 2013).
Especially in Chittagong city scarcity of safe drinking water has become a huge
problem. According to CWASA 500 million liter of water is needed in Chittagong
city against which only 190 million liter of water can be extracted daily. Besides
production of the tube wells became half in 10-12 years. (Prothom Alo, 11 th Sep,
2014)

2.8.3 Risk of Land sliding

Excessive extraction of groundwater put big cities like Dhaka, Chittagong etc.at risk
of land sliding as it creates vacuum below the surface. The ground water level in the
capital is receding by 10.91 milliliters (ml) annually, putting about 15 million city
dwellers at risk of existence of the city itself. As a result, the capital city of Dhaka is
subsiding by 13.91 millimeters (mm) annually, threatening to tilt its buildings and
developing cracks, experts said (IRIN Asia, 2013). A recent study conducted by a
geologist, Professor Syed Humayun Akhtar of Dhaka University

found that, Dhaka city at the risk of major land subsidence which is triggered by the
lowering of groundwater table. He conducted the study by analyzing data from global
positioning system (GPS) at the DU Earth Observatory Center & examining the city'
vertical velocity in 2004-2008, he found that the land mass in Dhaka is going down
quite faster now. Experts also blame movements of tectonic plates (large rigid blocks)
for land subsidence. Bangladesh is on the junction of Indian plate & Burma sub-plate.
The Burma sub-plate is overriding the Indian plate, causing subsidence of Dhaka land
mass. The subsidence due to motions of tectonic plates is much slower; it should not
be more than 3 to 5 mm a year. But Dhaka's land mass is dropping by 13.91
millimeters a year, as the plate motion coincides with water extraction (The daily star,
January 2012).

In Chittagong city, Residents of Middle Halishahar of Chittagong city are facing a

tremendous threat of land sliding because three private drinking water companies
have been extracting most of the groundwater of the area for the last three years.
According to Dr. Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain, associate professor of the Institute
of Forestry and Environmental Sciences at the University of Chittagong, If water
extraction continues at the current rate some areas might face land subsidence as a
result of huge empty space underground created by water extraction.

2.8.4 Problems in Irrigation

According to water and agriculture experts, Excessive and unplanned use of

groundwater for irrigation across the country poses a serious threat to the ecology,
severely affecting the agriculture sector. Groundwater is being used for irrigation
largely in an unplanned manner, contributing to its misuse and causing an immense
negative impact on ecology and agriculture. Nearly 13 lakh tube wells, mostly
shallow, are being used to draw groundwater for irrigation. But eight lakh tube wells
are enough to meet the demand. Water level of sadar upazila in Gazipur district
declined by 66 feet in the last six years, 15 feet at Bhaluka in Mymensingh and on an
average three feet at Jessore, Kushtia and Khulna regions (The daily star,7 th
May,2011). The country's ecology and crop production, particularly in the
southwestern region, will face an extreme impact if the declining trend continues.
Dependency on groundwater for both drinking and irrigation should be reduced to
protect our agriculture sector from any kind of destruction. The availability of surface
water by digging canals, dredging rivers and preserving rain water should be
encouraged to decrease dependency on groundwater.

2.8.5 Saltwater Intrusion

The most characteristic type of water quality degradation occurring in the coastal
plain aquifer of Bangladesh is seawater intrusion and the main reason behind this is
heavy & unplanned pumping. Fresh groundwater generally occurs in deep aquifer
layers, below a sequence of other aquifer layers containing saline or brackish
groundwater (DPHE-DANIDA, 2001).

In Chittagong city, groundwater abstraction often takes place from the upper aquifer.
In this area, intrusion of saline water into the pumping well is often a problem due to
heavy pumping. High rates of pumping for irrigation and other uses from the shallow
unconfined aquifers in coastal areas may result in widespread saltwater intrusion,
downward leakage of arsenic concentrations and the general degradation of water
resources.

2.9 Causes of Groundwater Lowering

Following are the reasons of groundwater lowering-(Feroze & Mujibor, 2000)

 Increasing population increases houses, shops, roads, offices, pavements etc.

Thus increasing demand for fresh water.
 Decreasing of open area for seepage of water into the ground.
 Lowering due to Drought and changes in routine weather patterns.
 Pollution of other safe water sources.
 Lack of required recharging of water.
 Increase of industries contributes to the depletion of water table.
 Improper water resources management.

2.10 Concluding Remarks

From the extensive literature Survey, the following information can be pointed out.

 For making research continuity with the previous studies regarding

groundwater depletion in Chittagong City, it has been decided to carry out
investigation only on 18 wards out of 41 wards.
 From the physical statement & previous studies it has been observed that
groundwater is depleted day by day in Chittagong City. So it is necessary to
investigate present situation of ground water table in the City.
 Also it is to be studied for seasonal variation of groundwater table in
Chittagong City Corporation.
 It is necessary to study the ground table fluctuation comparing with the
previous study.
 It is required to prepare a GIS map based on depth of ground water table.
 CHAPTER-3
METHODOLOGY

3.1 General
Chittagong is a large city with a area of 157km 2. So it is a complicated task to
investigate the ground water table in the city. For that we have taken only 5 wards out
41 wards of the city.

3.2 Work Plan

The chapter portrayed the methodology used in this investigation for studying the
groundwater variability in Chittagong City. The chapter also contains a brief
description of field survey, necessary data collection process, description of the
process in the methodology flow chart. For the required fulfillment of the
investigation following steps has been performed.

Literature Study
Internet Search Previous Study

Collection of Data from CWASA

Creation of map showing variation of water level using IDW method under GIS
 Analysis of groundwater level variation

Results & Future Recommendation

Introducing artificial recharge as a suitable remedy of G.W. lowering

Figure 3.1- Work Plan

 Fig 3.1: Study Area For This Thesis

3.2.1 Literature Study

At the very beginning of our study we have gathered information related to
environment & water resource from internet & other sources. We have studied
previous works done on the same type of which we have mentioned in the reference
chapter. It was a very important & crucial part for our study because from these
studies we have decided the roadmap of our thesis.

3.2.2 Data Collection

For our study we will need the yearly ground water level data. We will use
groundwater level data of 9 consecutive years covering 2009 to 2017. The Chittagong
Water Supply & Sewerage Authority (CWASA) pumps water from their deep tube
wells. They also record the ground water level of the wells for every year in a
particular season. We will collect those data from CWASA.

3.2.3 Preparation of a GIS Map of Chittagong City Based on Groundwater Table

A GIS (geographic information system) is a computer system to capture, store,

manipulate, analyze, manage and present all types of geographical data. The data
collected from shallow tube wells in two seasons are presented by means of a GIS
map. It will not only show the ongoing groundwater depletion but also will help to
understand the flow of groundwater.

3.2.3.1 GIS Application

Various characteristics controlling groundwater lowering can be presented and

analyzed by using Geographic Information System (GIS). GIS technology is effective
spatial tools widely used for the prediction, monitoring, management, and visual
representation of geographic information (Lee et al., 2012). GIS presents an important
tool in the effective management of groundwater resources. Different interpolation
methods were adopted for surface interpolation (Shalini et al 2012; Gong et al, 2014).
A number of GIS interpolation methods are available among them three methods of
interpolation are described briefly.

The inverse distance weighted (IDW) takes the concept of spatial autocorrelation
literally. It assumes that the unknown value of a point is influenced more by nearby
control points than those further away. The nearer a sample point is to the cell whose
value is to be estimated, the more closely the cell’s value will resemble the sample
point’s value. IDW does less well with phenomena whose distribution depends on
more complex sets of variables because it can account only for the effects of distance.
It is possible to improve the accuracy of an IDW surface by using line layers as
barriers. On elevation surfaces, barriers can represent abrupt changes in elevation,
such as cliffs.

This plate Splines creates a surface that passes through control points and has the least
possible change in slopes at all points (Franke, 1982). In other words, thin plate
splines fit the control points with a minimum-curvature surface. Splines interpolation
method fits a flexible surface, as if it were stretching a rubber sheet across all the
known point’s values. The Spline method of interpolation estimates unknown values
by bending a surface through known values. An advantages of the Spline interpolation
is that it can make estimates outside the range of input sample points. (Shalini et al.
2012)

3.2.3.2 The Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) Interpolation Method

The Inverse Distance Weighting interpolator assumes that each input point has a local
influence that diminishes with distance. It weights the points closer to the processing
cell greater than those further away. A specified number of points or all points within
a specified radius can be used to determine the output value of each location. Use of
this method assumes the variable being mapped decreases in influence with distance
from its sampled location.

Fig 3.2: IDW Method 1

The Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) algorithm effectively is a moving average
interpolator that is usually applied to highly variable data. For certain data types it is
possible to return to the collection site and record a new value that is statistically
different from the original reading but within the general trend for the area.

The interpolated surface, estimated using a moving average technique, is less than the
local maximum value and greater than the local minimum value.

Fig 3.3: IDW Method 2

IDW interpolation explicitly implements the assumption that things that are close to
one another are more alike than those that are farther apart. To predict a value for any
unmeasured location, IDW will use the measured values surrounding the prediction
location. Those measured values closest to the prediction location will have more
influence on the predicted value than those farther away. Thus, IDW assumes that
each measured point has a local influence that diminishes with distance. The IDW
function should be used when the set of points is dense enough to capture the extent
of local surface variation needed for analysis. IDW determines cell values using a
linear-weighted combination set of sample points. It weights the points closer to the
prediction location greater than those farther away, hence the name inverse distance
weighted.

The IDW technique calculates a value for each grid node by examining surrounding
data points that lie within a user-defined search radius. Some or all of the data points
can be used in the interpolation process. The node value is calculated by averaging the
weighted sum of all the points. Data points that lie progressively farther from the node
influence the computed value far less than those lying closer to the node.
 Fig 3.4: IDW Method 4

A radius is generated around each grid node from which data points are selected to be
used in the calculation. Options to control the use of IDW include power, search
radius, fixed search radius, variable search radius and barrier.

Note: The optimal power (p) value is determined by minimizing the root mean square
prediction error (RMSPE).We use the 3 closest points to explain this.

Let,
For a power of 1, that cell value is equal to:
((12/350) + (10/750) + (10/850)) / ((1/350) + (1/750) + (1/850)) = 11.1

For a power of 2, that cell value is equal to:

= ((12/3502) + (10/7502) + (10/8502)) / ((1/3502) + (1/7502) + (1/8502)) = 11.4

The formula:

Where: Z =Elevation & D =Distance of any

point x from the known elevation.

Advantages

 Can estimate extreme changes in terrain such as: Cliffs, Fault Lines.

 Dense evenly space points are well interpolated (flat areas with cliffs).

 Can increase or decrease amount of sample points to influence cell values.

Disadvantages

 Cannot estimate above maximum or below minimum values.

 Not very good for peaks or mountainous areas.

3.2.4 Analysis of Groundwater Level

From the map prepared in GIS environment & graph generated from the data
collected from CWASA we will try to understand the condition of water level in the
selected areas. We will try to find out the cause of change in water level and if it is
lowering we will propose some recommendation to avoid that.

3.2.5 Introducing the way of Artificial Recharge

From the investigation it has been found that in maximum places groundwater
depletion is occurring. As the natural recharge is not enough to maintain the
groundwater table stable, some methods of artificial recharge have been discussed to
prevent groundwater depletion

3.3 Concluding Remarks

From the methodology discussed following facts has been concluded

Specifically, 12 deep tube wells have been chosen for this investigation according to
previous studies to prepare continuous information about groundwater table. Well
locations coordinates are determined by Google Maps web application. Results have
been compared to the previous studies which have been done earlier. GIS mapping
system is used to prepare a contour map of groundwater table in Chittagong city.

CHAPTER-4
GROUNDWATER TABLE INVESTIGATION
4.1 General
Ground water table investigation has been done in Chittagong city according to the
methodology described in previous chapter. Necessary data was collected firstly
according to the methodology. With these data a water level depletion map was
generated for each year in GPS software system. The results are then compared with
the previous study.

4.2 Collection of Groundwater Table Data

To study the groundwater variability of selected areas in Chittagong city, groundwater

level data of studied tube well were required. The multiyear groundwater table data
have been used in this study which were collected from Chittagong Water Supply &
Sewerage Authority (CWASA). Nine year’s groundwater level data of 12 Deep tube
wells among 5 wards of Chittagong City Corporation was collected. The collected
data contained the Static Water Level (SWL), Pumping Water Level (PWL) &
Drawdown (DD). Here below is table of only Static Water Level. We have used this
table form mapping in GIS.
4.3 Analysis and Graphical Representation of Groundwater Level Data

The water level fluctuation was analyzed for year 2009-2017. The methodology flow
chart is shown in Figure 3.1. The groundwater data assembled on yearly basis were
analyzed for their long term pattern, and were interpreted graphically to understand
the dynamics of the groundwater level. The results were used to make the spatial
variation maps of average depth to groundwater level and groundwater level
fluctuation from the collected data. When a series of observations are arranged with
reference to their occurrences in a systematic order, the resulting series is called time
series. The graphical representation of year wise ground water level data and year
wise percentage of changes from their perspective previous year are shown below for
thirty different tube wells from 12 Deep Tube wells in Chittagong City.
 Static Ground Water Level From 2009-2017
120

Static Water Level (m) 100

80
60
40
20
0
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 T11 T12

March (2009) March (2010) March (2011) March (2012) March (2013)
March (2014) March (2015) March (2016) March (2017)

Fig 4.3: Static Water Level (2009-2017)

Fig 4.2: Water Level Map 2009
Fig 4.3 : Water Level Map 2010
Fig 4.5: Water Level Map 2011
Fig 4.6: Water Level Map 2012
Fig 4.7: Water Level Map 2013
Fig 4.7: Water Level Map 2014
Fig 4.8: Water Level Map 2015
Fig 4.9: Water Level Map 2016
Fig 4.10: Water Level Map 2017
4.4 Results & Discussion

From our study we have noticed that the groundwater table is lower gradually every
year in our study area. From the GIS map we have identified some information about
this. The table below illustrates that information.

 The minimum groundwater level was 18 m and the maximum

2009 groundwater level was 85 m in the year 2009.
 The average groundwater level was 57-75 m.

 The minimum groundwater level was 20 m and the maximum

2010 groundwater level was 85 m in the year 2010.
 The average groundwater level was 61-91 m.

 The minimum groundwater level was 21 m and the maximum

2011 groundwater level was 93 m in the year 2011.
 The average groundwater level was 63-92 m.

 The minimum groundwater level was 21 m and the maximum

2012 groundwater level was 85 m in the year 2012.
 The average groundwater level was 63-94 m.

 The minimum groundwater level was 23m and the maximum

2013 groundwater level was 96m in the year 2013.
 The average groundwater level was 65-96m.

 The minimum groundwater level was 23m and the maximum

2014 groundwater level was 98m in the year 2014.
 The average groundwater level was 74-81 m.

 The minimum groundwater level was 23 m and the maximum

2015 groundwater level was 99 m in the year 2015.
 The average groundwater level was 75-99 m.

 The minimum groundwater level was 24m and the maximum

2016 groundwater level was 101m in the year 2016.
 The average groundwater level was 76-100m.

Fig 4.11: Observations from GIS Map

From the generated maps it is very much clear that the groundwater table is lowering
every year in most the places in Chittagong City. If we plot the data from tube in
graph we can see that the amount average yearly change rate is very significant.

Average Decline Rate Per Year

2
1.8
Change Rate (m/year)

1.6
1.4
1.2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 T11 T12

Water Level Decline Per Year

Fig 4.12: Average Decline Rate per Year

From the graph it is visible that in some tube wells the decline rate is very high;
almost 2 m/year. Form this reason almost 6 tube wells are out of service amongst the
12 tube wells we studied.

Here are detailed graphs of water table fluctuation in 9 years in 32 areas of our
selected areas.

Water Level in 2009

90.00000000000
80.00000000000
70.00000000000
Water Level (m)

60.00000000000
50.00000000000
40.00000000000
30.00000000000
20.00000000000
10.00000000000
0.00000000000
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132

MIN MAX MEAN

 Water Level in 2010
100.00000000000
90.00000000000
80.00000000000
70.00000000000
60.00000000000
50.00000000000
40.00000000000
30.00000000000
20.00000000000
10.00000000000
0.00000000000
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

MIN MAX MEAN

Water Level in 2011

100.00000000000
90.00000000000
80.00000000000
70.00000000000
60.00000000000
50.00000000000
40.00000000000
30.00000000000
20.00000000000
10.00000000000
0.00000000000
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

MIN MAX MEAN

Water Level in 2012

100.00000000000
90.00000000000
80.00000000000
70.00000000000
Water Leve(m)

60.00000000000
50.00000000000
40.00000000000
30.00000000000
20.00000000000
10.00000000000
0.00000000000
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132

MIN MAX MEAN

 Water Level in 2013
120.00000000000

100.00000000000

80.00000000000
Water Level (m)

60.00000000000

40.00000000000

20.00000000000

0.00000000000
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132

MIN MAX MEAN

Water Level in 2014

120.00000000000

100.00000000000

80.00000000000
Water Level (m)

60.00000000000

40.00000000000

20.00000000000

0.00000000000
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132

MIN MAX MEAN

Water Level in 2015

120.00000000000

100.00000000000

80.00000000000
Water Level (m)

60.00000000000

40.00000000000

20.00000000000

0.00000000000
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132

MIN MAX MEAN

 Water Level in 2016
120.00000000000

Water Level (m) 100.00000000000

80.00000000000

60.00000000000

40.00000000000

20.00000000000

0.00000000000
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132

MIN MAX MEAN

The reason for this decline is dependent on multiple factors. One of them is pumping
water is huge amount. From the data we have collected we have created a graph of
draw down per year in the 12 Deep-tube wells. We will show and discuss the graph in
the next page.

Draw Down in 9 years

25
Water Draw Down (m)

20
15
10
5
0
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 T11 T12

March (2009) March (2010) March (2011) March (2012) March (2013)
March (2014) March (2015) March (2016) March (2017)

Fig 4.13: Draw Down in Nine Years

Reasoning
The graph shows us that a huge amount of water was pumped out from those tube
wells. The increase in draw down is for several reasons, as specified below

1. Increase in population. In 2009- 4025000 & In 2017- 4721000

2. Increase in Pavement Surface- Like building of new roads, Residential
Buildings, Trade-Center etc. The change in built-up area is shown below as
the Land Coverage map which clearly represents the reduction of vegetative
land which could recharge precipitated water to the aquifer.
Fig 4.14: Land Coverage Map 2009
Fig 4.15: Land Coverage Map 2017
We also investigate the shallow water table data of some places. Data is given below,

Water
Location X Y Depth(ft)
Head Of Kaptai Road 91.868416 22.394455 5.5
Asian Housing Society 91.83975 22.369022 4
Moulavi Pukur par 91.857092 22.38313 3
Halishohor Housing Society 91.784373 22.34039 7
Bishwa Colony D block, Agrabad 91.782784 22.373982 10
Khwaja Road, Panchlaish 91.832369 22.363316 5
Dewanhat CSD Gudam, Saraipara 91.809679 22.34014 9
Love lane, Jamal khan 91.828832 22.342336 9
Jubilee Road, Enayet Bazar 91.828217 22.340711 6
Agrabad -2 91.810633 22.324721 8
Collegiate ,East Madarbari 91.824942 22.332472 4
Sayed-shah Road , West Bakolia 91.848561 22.35421 3
Monsurabad, North Agrabad 91.806369 22.338641 9

 A Map is created by above data using IDW method of GIS.

Fig: Shallow Water Table Map
The above map shows the water level data from the point where extraction is not yet
done or data collect after several hours of extraction from the point. This data
represents that the south-west part has much lower depth than the other, which has
also shown in the previous map, that the south west part has greater depletion rate
than others zone as of increment of consumption rate and the increase of population.

CHAPTER-6
CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION

6.1 General

From this investigation it can be concluded that groundwater level is declining day by
day. In this project our aim is to find out the yearly variation of the Ground water
table. For this purpose, we have to select the deep well by considering the limitation
we have. Thus within 41 wards in Chittagong City Corporation area only 12 Deep
wells are taken for study. By considering this limitation, we have investigated the
Ground water table in those 15 wards where there is presence of shallow tube well.

6.2 Conclusion

The concluding remarks that can be derived from the investigation have been
presented below –

 Water tables are different in different wards. But nearly similar in adjacent
wards.
 During field investigation, it was found that within 12 well locations in 5
wards; only 6 deep tube well is in operation.
  The overall view shows that, in almost every ward, to provide sufficient water
to the consumer deep tube well is enough but not economical.
 From the investigation it is clear that, ground water table is lowering day by
day. In some part of the region the rate of decrease is high because of high rate
of consumption and reduction of unpaved area.
 Ground water through shallow tube well is not sufficient. Use of deep
tubewell is to fulfill the required demand for the general people is becoming
more challenging through the increase of overall cost.
 Depth of water table is quite lower in Lalkhan Bazar & Some part of
Sholokbahar.
 Most Critical situation is at the Khulshi R/A & Garibullah housing society &
their surrounding areas.
 Depth of water table is quite higher in the north part of our survey area.
 The annual fluctuation of the water table shows that the depth been lowered by
2m in some wards. Where in some wards the depth of water has been risen up.
 Risk of contamination of supply water through deep tube well is getting higher
day by day.

6.3 Recommendation

City area is growing day by day; therefore, paved area is increasing causing a
reduction recharging of Ground water. After the investigation following possible
solutions have been recommended-

 Ground water level is degrading day by day due to excessive extraction of

Ground water which poses a threat for the subsidence of Chittagong City.
Furthermore, the contamination of Ground water accelerated in the recent
years like salinity increase & arsenic contamination. So, excessive extraction
of Ground water should be discouraged.
 Since it is tough to measure the lowering of water table, at least five
observation wells should be placed in Chittagong, like Dhaka where seven
observation wells are located. No deeper tube well should be permitted by
CWASA.
 Excessive pumping is the main cause of lowering the water table, as it can't be
controlled because of required need. So CWASA have to take the
responsibility for the adverse effect on the ecosystem of Chittagong City area
for supplying Ground water.
 Alternate source of water except Ground water such as rainwater, surface
water, pond water etc. should be preferred.
 As the paved area in the city is increasing, artificial recharge of Ground water
should be done.
 Rainwater harvesting is the best method of artificial recharge for Bangladesh
due to its financial credibility & ease of preparation.
 REFERENCE

1. M. A. Aziz, Water Supply Engineering, Hafiz Book Centre, First Edition,

1975.
2. M. Feroze. Ahmed and Md. Mujibur Rahman, Water Supply & Sanitation,
Rural and low income urban communities, Centre for Water Supply & Water
management BUET, Dhaka, Bangladesh, a Dania funded project, ITN-
BANGLADESH, Second Edition, 2003
3. Groundwater Resources Development in Bangladesh by Anwar Zahid and
Syed ReazUddin Ahmed (2010). American Journal of Civil Engineering
4. H. M. Raghunath, Ground Water, New Age International (P) Limited, New
Delhi.
6. Guide on Artificial Recharge to groundwater by (may 2000, New Delhi) by
Central Ground Water Board
7. S. K. Garg. Water Supply Engineering, Khanna Publishers, 2-B Nath Market,
NaiSarak, Delhi, 26th Edition, 2004
8. Md. Abdul Hamid Mirdad & Md. Abdul Mannan Investigation of ground
water table in Chittagong city Corporation,CUET,August 2011
9. Sal Saad Al Deen Taher Investigation of ground water table in Chittagong
city Corporation Area, CUET, July 2012
10. www. rainwaterharvesting.org {Accessed online in September, 2013)
11. BWDB. 2004. Report on Deep Aquifer Characterization and Mapping Project,
Phase-I (Draft Final), Ground Water Hydrology Division-I, Bangladesh Water
Development Board, Dhaka.Chapter II Satellite Navigation
12. Mohiminul Hoq Chowdhury & Anirban Sarkar, Depletion of Groundwater
Table in Chittagong City Corporation.