Groundwater level drops by one meter in Udupi

Udupi: In an alarming development, a study conducted by the Groundwater Directorate in the district has found a significant drop in the water table. As compared to last year, the water level in tube wells has dropped by about one meter, geologists said.

Groundwater is an important source of freshwater for drinking and irrigation for the people of the district. Geologists warned that if the depletion of groundwater continues then the district may face acute water shortages in the future.

Significant drop

Groundwater was found at a depth of 4.59 meters on average in October 2021 in Udupi which dropped to 5.73 meters in October 2022. Similarly, in November 2021 groundwater was found at a depth of 5.73 meters from the surface, however, the same reached 6.71 meters in November 2022.

Though the district gets ample rainfall, geologists say the heavy monsoon rain cannot recharge the groundwater due to the topography of the district. Intense rainfall during South West Monsoon coupled with the surface runoff in the district cannot recharge the water level underground. The light showers received during retreating monsoon, especially during the December, January, and February months are conducive for groundwater recharge.

This year, from January to March, there was deficient retreating monsoon rainfall which has led to groundwater depletion. Along with this, the usage of groundwater has also increased, which has led to a drop in the water table, experts said.

How is groundwater level measured?

The hydrogeologists of the Groundwater Directorate measure the groundwater level every month using a “Water Level Indicator” device. Sources of the department said that measurements are done regularly at a total of 42 wells including 16 tube wells and 26 open wells in 7 taluks of the district.

Corrective action

Meanwhile, Dr. Dinakar Shetty a senior geologist at the Groundwater Directorate at Udupi cautioned the public to moderate their water usage.  The gap between groundwater use and its recharge is widening. Emphasis must be on moderating water usage and encouraging water recharge and protection of water bodies, he said.