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JEH Volume 7 (1999), Paper 15, September 1999 Posted
September 30, 1999
HYDROGEOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT OF AGROWELLS,
SRI LANKA
H.U.S. Wickramaratne, Institute of Fundamental Studies,
Kandy, Sri Lanka
A. I. Adhihkari, Groundwater Section, National Water Supply and Drainage
Board, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
H.A. Dharmagunawardhane, Department of Geology, University of Peradeniya,
Sri Lanka
ABSTRACT
The hydrogeological parameters of large diameter dugwells that are
used for agricultural purposes, called agrowells, were studied. All agrowells
investigated in the drainage basin can be categorized into four major regions
(namely upper, middle, lower catchment and close to irrigation reservoirs).
Except for agrowells close to irrigation reservoirs, the other three categories
can be grouped into small units with respect to geology. The hydrogeological
performance is different depending on region and geology. The study results
show that (1) water levels in the upper and middle regions has gradually
declined since construction, (2) the lateral influence of water levels
in the agrowells is limited (i.e. 300 m), (3) the water level of agrowells
has been maintained by irrigation reservoirs, and (4) recharge and drawdown
has been maintained by the design of agrowell lining walls.
Reference: Wickramaratne, H.U.S., A. I. Adhihkari, and H.A.
Dharmagunawardhane; Hydrogeological Performance Assessment of Agrowells,
Sri Lanka, Journal of Environmental Hydrology, Vol. 7, Paper 15, September
1999.
H.U.S. Wickramaratne
Environmental Modeling Program
Department of Earth Sciences
Institute of Fundamental Studies
Hantana Road
Kandy
Sri Lanka