Geo Resistivity Survey for Groundwater in Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya
- generaladmin2
- Feb 3
- 3 min read
Updated: May 2
Client: Local Government of Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya
Location: Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya
Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya faces a critical challenge: securing a sustainable and reliable groundwater source to meet the urgent needs of its growing population and economy.
With a total population of 42,197 people as of 2020, Aritao’s residential and commercial demands are rapidly increasing. Yet, limited water availability and a lack of comprehensive geological data threaten the town’s ability to provide enough potable water to support its future growth. Identifying and developing a sustainable drinking water source has become a top priority for the local government. Source: Phil atlas
Currently, water access across Aritao is inconsistent. Barangays Poblacion and Banganan rely on water services from ARWASA and BALIBAGO Waterworks. Meanwhile, eleven barangays — including Bone South, Bone North, Calitlitan, Comon, Cutar, Darapidap, Kirang, Latar, Nagcuartelan, Tucanon, and Yaway — have been designated recipients of the Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig Para sa Lahat (SALINTUBIG) Project under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in coordination with the Local Government Unit (LGU).
However, only seven out of these eleven barangays currently have operational water systems managed by their respective Barangay Waterworks and Sanitation Associations (BAWASA). The remaining four barangays face significant challenges: their systems are non-operational due to the lack of sufficient water supply and the need for major system rehabilitation.
Beyond public initiatives, the town also relies on 17 water refilling stations, shared tubed/piped deep wells, and protected springs to meet drinking water needs. Despite these multiple sources, only 72% of Aritao’s 7,556 households currently have access to potable water. Source: Aritao Ecological Profile.
Without immediate action to find and develop reliable groundwater sources, Aritao risks worsening water scarcity, public health risks, and delays to its residential and commercial growth. Strengthening groundwater exploration efforts is not just urgent — it is critical to safeguarding the town’s future.
The geoelectric resistivity method is the most suitable and efficient method for groundwater exploration. It is based on the concept of subsurface determination, which can yield useful information on the structure, composition, and water content of the soil. Source: Bureau of Soils and Water Management
A geo-resistivity survey aims to determine the possible depths and thicknesses of aquifers as well as the depth of bedrock within the study area and to possibly pinpoint/locate preferable sites for deep water wells for subsequent drilling operations.
With this data, the engineering team will avoid uncertainty and unnecessary expenses, such as the cost of remobilizing the drilling operations, and appropriately plan materials for the construction and placement of the groundwater well.
Our Team led by Engr. Kristian with a decade of field experience and technical specialization on the topic went to the field . Using advanced geo-resistivity technology, our team surveyed the rugged terrain to locate potential groundwater sources. Despite challenges such as a low-yielding aquifer and limited survey space, we remained focused on uncovering viable water reserves.
Our efforts led to the identification of several promising groundwater sites. Using the survey data, we identified several feasible sites, each holding the potential to provide much-needed relief to the area. The georesistivity report also includes the accurate well design that contains the information about the exact location, aquifer depth, well depth, estimated yield, and cost of construction of the project. We never give up on this task and provide detailed data to help the clients determine a feasible location for a deep well.
Key Insights
Low-Yielding Aquifer: Previous studies indicated minimal water availability, making this discovery crucial.
Data Scarcity: With little prior research, our team explored largely uncharted territory.
Survey Challenges: Limited space required strategic and innovative survey methods.
Growing Demand: The increasing water needs of the community emphasized the urgency of our work.
Innovative Solutions: Advanced survey tools helped overcome geological and spatial limitations.
This is just the beginning. How can we refine our methods to locate more water sources? What other areas could benefit from similar surveys? Let’s collaborate to ensure a sustainable water future. Share your thoughts with us!
