IDENTIFICATION OF GROUND WATER POTENTIAL ZONES USING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO PUTHUHAPUWA GRAMA NILADHARI DIVISION

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to identify the water scarcity in the Study area and to identify the ground water potential zones by generating a map of the groundwater potential zones in the study area using GIS as a solution. The study identified that people in the area are facing physical water shortages and the generated groundwater potential zone map identified 112095m² of area has a good groundwater potential, 683700m² of landscape shows a moderate groundwater potential and 229066 m² of area has a very low groundwater potential level. GIS is very efficient and effective software in identifying ground water potential zones and in case of inadequate use of water from surface water sources, it is advisable to use ground water sustainably as a solution to water shortages.