Impact of small dam construction on groundwater Potential and Quality Assessment of Muzaffarabad area of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

Abstract

Dams has both positive and negative effects on the community. At Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Pakistan, a combined strategy involving geophysical and physicochemical methodologies was performed to analyze the possible availability of groundwater and its quality. The sub-surface lithology, prospective groundwater-bearing zones, and potential groundwater availability were all determined using a mix of electrical resistivity and natural electric field approaches. To ascertain the quality of the groundwater, laboratory evaluations of samples from nearby existing wells and springs were also performed. The identical profile maps were recorded using the Schlumberger electrode array with the Terrameter SAS 300 B of ABEM, Sweden, and the PQWT S300, respectively. There has been observed a decline of 2 meters to 3 meters in water depth at the points, open well, PQWT-2, PQWT-6 and PQWT-7 after the dam construction. At VES-2, VES-5, VES-6, and VES-8, medium resistivity measurements were taken, ranging from 201 to 500 ohm-meters, which generally indicate gravel or boulder with little rock or sand/clay layers. At VES-1 and VES-6, resistivity readings larger than 500 ohm-meters were made, indicating the presence of dry gravel, stones, or rock. Except for water samples BWS2, BWS5, BWS6, and BWS10, which had significant nitrate contents and electrical conductivity, are safe for drinking purposes and within the permissible limit of PSQCA/NSDWQ, 2010.