Introduction

Aquifer mapping, protection, and remediation are the foundation of sustainable groundwater management in India and globally. Groundwater supplies nearly 60–70% of irrigation demand and over 85% of drinking water needs in India, making aquifer sustainability a critical national priority. Rapid urbanization, mining activities, industrial contamination, over-extraction, and climate variability have placed unprecedented stress on subsurface water systems.

Aquifer mapping services, combined with groundwater modelling and remediation planning, provide the scientific basis required for informed decision-making, regulatory compliance, and long-term water security.

At Hydrodynamic Modeling Consultancy Pvt. Ltd., we deliver aquifer mapping, protection, and remediation solutions using advanced hydrogeological investigations, GIS-based analysis, numerical groundwater models, and CGWA-compliant methodologies.

Aquifer Mapping Services for Sustainable Groundwater Management

Aquifer mapping is the systematic delineation and characterization of groundwater-bearing formations to understand how water is stored, transmitted, and replenished below the surface. It moves beyond basic well inventories and provides a three-dimensional understanding of aquifer systems.

Key Components of Aquifer Mapping

• Aquifer extent, thickness, depth, and geometry

• Lithology, stratigraphy, and structural controls

• Hydraulic properties such as transmissivity and storativity

• Recharge and discharge zones

• Groundwater flow direction and hydraulic gradients

• Aquifer vulnerability to contamination and over-exploitation

Tools and Techniques Used

• Remote sensing and GIS-based geomorphology and lineament analysis

• Borehole litholog interpretation and well inventory analysis

• Geophysical surveys (VES, ERI, seismic where applicable)

• Long-term groundwater level trend and fluctuation analysis

• Pumping tests and aquifer parameter estimation

• Numerical groundwater flow modelling using MODFLOW

Why Aquifer Protection Is Critical for Groundwater Sustainability

Aquifer degradation is often slow, invisible, and irreversible if not addressed in time. Once an aquifer is contaminated or severely depleted, recovery may take decades.

Major Threats to Aquifers

• Unregulated groundwater abstraction beyond recharge capacity

• Mining-induced dewatering and cone of depression effects

• Industrial effluents, landfill leachate, and agricultural chemicals

• Urban surface sealing reducing natural recharge

• Seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers

Aquifer protection focuses on preventive and regulatory-aligned planning, including:

• Identification and protection of natural recharge zones

• Aquifer-based groundwater abstraction limits

• Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) strategies

• Vulnerability zoning and land-use controls

• Long-term monitoring and sustainability indicators

Aquifer Remediation Solutions for Contaminated and Over-Exploited Aquifers

Aquifer remediation is required when groundwater quality or quantity has already been compromised. Effective remediation must be site-specific, model-driven, and scientifically validated.

Common Aquifer Remediation Approaches

• Hydraulic containment and controlled pumping systems

• In-situ treatment and reactive barriers

• Dilution and flushing through managed recharge

• Source control and plume migration management

• Seawater intrusion barriers and freshwater injection systems

Numerical modelling plays a crucial role in predicting remediation outcomes and optimizing long-term performance.

Case Study: Aquifer Mapping and Remediation in a Mining-Affected Region (Central India)

Project Background

A large opencast coal mining project in Central India faced:

• Declining groundwater levels in surrounding villages

• Community concerns regarding drying wells and water scarcity

• Regulatory scrutiny under CGWA and environmental clearance conditions

Key Challenges

• Hard-rock aquifer with fracture-controlled groundwater flow

• Seasonal rainfall variability masking long-term depletion trends

• Mine dewatering altering regional groundwater gradients

Hydrodynamic Modeling Consultancy Pvt. Ltd. – Approach

1. Detailed Aquifer Mapping

• Integrated geomorphology, drainage, and lineament mapping using GIS

• Analysis of over 10 years of pre- and post-monsoon groundwater data

• Delineation of weathered, fractured, and massive rock aquifer zones

• Identification of mine-induced cones of depression

2. Groundwater Flow Modelling

• Development and calibration of a MODFLOW-based groundwater model

• Simulation of mine dewatering impacts over the life of the mine

• Prediction of village-level groundwater level responses

3. Aquifer Protection and Mitigation Planning

• Design of aquifer-specific recharge structures (check dams, recharge shafts, mine-void recharge)

• Optimization of mine water reuse to reduce freshwater abstraction

• Protection zoning of vulnerable recharge areas

Outcomes

• Stabilization of groundwater levels in nearby habitations

• Compliance with CGWA and environmental clearance conditions

• Improved community confidence and long-term water security

How Hydrodynamic Modeling Consultancy Pvt. Ltd. Delivers Integrated Aquifer Solutions

As a specialized groundwater modelling consultancy, we provide end-to-end aquifer solutions for mining, industrial, urban, and infrastructure projects.

Our Core Aquifer Services

• Regional and site-specific aquifer mapping in India

• Groundwater flow and contaminant transport modelling (MODFLOW, SEAWAT)

• Aquifer protection zoning and vulnerability assessment

• Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) planning and design

• Aquifer remediation solutions for mining and industrial impacts

• CGWA-compliant groundwater impact assessments, CHR, IAR, and Water Audit reports

Our solutions are grounded in science, data, and regulatory alignment, ensuring technically sound and implementable outcomes.

Conclusion: Integrated Aquifer Mapping for Long-Term Water Security

Aquifer mapping, protection, and remediation are essential for achieving groundwater sustainability, regulatory compliance, and climate resilience. Without a scientific understanding of subsurface systems, groundwater management remains reactive and unsustainable.

Hydrodynamic Modeling Consultancy Pvt. Ltd. bridges the gap between hydrogeological science, numerical modelling, and policy frameworks, delivering reliable, future-ready groundwater solutions.

Groundwater may be invisible—but its management should never be uncertain.