Hydrogeological investigations

The purpose of most hydrogeological investigations is to locate potential sites for development of an adequate quantity of reasonably good quality groundwater for a particular use, domestic, irrigation or industrial. The quantity and quality criteria will depend on the local needs and the socio-economic conditions of the people. Alternative possible sources of water supply, e.g. import of surface water or groundwater from adjoining areas may also be considered. Further, hydrogeological investigations are also taken up for the selection of suitable sites for waste disposal, tapping of geothermal power and in several other geotechnical problems, viz. tunnelling, mining, hill slope stability etc. These include geological, geomorphological, and hydrogeological studies described in this chapter. Besides, remote sensing and geophysical studies are discussed in Chapter Four and Five.