Quantifying Natural Groundwater Recharge Using Tracer and Other Techniques

Groundwater is the main source of water supply to both urban and rural populations as well as to industry and agriculture. Among various water cycle characteristics, groundwater recharge is the leading hydrologic parameter determining groundwater resources availability and sustainability. Accurate estimation of groundwater recharge is extremely important for proper development and management of the resource. Groundwater recharge was estimated under field condition at north-eastern region (Mymensingh) of Bangladesh using tracer technique as well as water-balance and Lysimeter method. Three years average recharge rate was found as 228.7 mm/year under tracer technique; and 141.7 mm under water balance method. The lysimeter method showed lower rate, may be due to variation of subsoil condition from the field. The results of the study will be helpful for planning of sustainable groundwater in the area.