Groundwater-level risk assessment by using statistical and geographic information system (GIS) techniques: a case study in the Aosta Valley region, Italy

Abstract

In the present study, groundwater-level monitoring has been carried out on 26 observation dug wells in the Aosta Valley region, Italy, during the dry season (June 2013) and wet season (November 2013) in order to assess the water-level fluctuation (WLF). The depth to water level varied from 3.04 to 28.70 metres below ground level (mbgl) in the dry season and from 2.92 to 25.62 mbgl in the wet season. The WLF of the study area varied from 0.01 to 6.80 mbgl, and the western and north-western regions of the study area showed higher WFL. The WLF map was validated with a statistical analysis and elevation value of the area in a geographic information system environment, and this indicated that validation can be accepted for the WLF in the Aosta Valley. The results of the study demonstrated that the eastern region could be considered as a safe and good recharge zone for the groundwater in the Aosta Valley region. The WLF map generated in this study could also be used for the management of future groundwater resources and environmental planning of the area.

Keywords

• water-level fluctuation
• potential risk to water level
• elevation
• results validation
• groundwater management