Geo resistivity Survey in Tanay

Client: City Government of Tanay, Rizal.

Location: Brgy. Plaza Aldea, Tanay, Rizal

Plaza Aldea, Tanay faces a severe water crisis amid infrastructure delays. Plaza Aldea, formerly known as Poblacion, is facing a severe and ongoing water crisis that is disrupting daily life for thousands of residents in Tanay, Rizal. With 30,160 residents as of the 2020 Census, this barangay accounts for over 21% of Tanay’s total population, making it one of the most densely populated areas in the municipality. Source: Philatlas

Brgy. Aldea, Tanay Rizal Geography Map. Source: Google Maps

Yet, despite its size and significance, Plaza Aldea’s residents are experiencing critical shortages of potable water. Daily routines have been upended, with families lining up for fire trucks just to access enough water for basic needs. These disruptions are no longer isolated incidents — they’ve become a harsh reality for many.

A crisis fueled by delays and declining supply. The worsening water scarcity stems from a combination of infrastructure delays and dwindling water reserves. Key projects, such as the Kaliwa Dam in Tanay, have faced setbacks, while Angat Dam, Ipo Dam, and La Mesa Dam — Metro Manila’s primary water sources — have seen dangerously low water levels. Even with the efforts of the Tanay and Pasig local governments, water remains scarce and difficult to access. Source: Inquirer

Groundsolv employee setting up equipment on the survey location near residential areas 1st site.

The population has only grown since then — but the available water infrastructure has not kept pace. Without immediate solutions and accelerated infrastructure development, Plaza Aldea risks prolonged water insecurity, declining public health, and increasing tension within the community. Sustainable water supply development is not just necessary — it is critical to restoring normalcy and protecting the well-being of Tanay’s most populous barangay.

Groundsolv Employees setting up the equipment to conduct survey mountainous terrain, 2nd site.

Our team, led by Engr. Kristian, with a decade of field experience and technical specialization on the topic, went to the field. Armed with advanced geo resistivity technology in tanay, we navigated the rugged terrain of Brgy. Aldea. Our mission was clear: to identify potential groundwater sources that could meet the growing demands of the community. 

Groundsolv Employees setting up the equipment on a farm lot potential water source, 3rd site.

There were a number of difficulties, including the rough terrain and accessibility of mountainous regions like Tanay, Rizal, which made it difficult to transport staff and equipment for surveys. The areas where surveys and drilling can be carried out are restricted by steep slopes and rocky terrain.

In addition to faults from the Philippine Fault Zone, Tanay's geology consists of both sedimentary and igneous rocks, creating extremely varied subsurface conditions. It is challenging to forecast groundwater flow and storage because of this complexity. It is more difficult to identify groundwater recharge and storage zones in mountainous areas because soil thickness is frequently quite low and changes significantly with slope.

Groundsolv Employees setting up the equipment on mountainous terrain, 4th site

Despite the challenges posed by the region's mountainous terrain our determination remained unwavering.

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. 

Groundsolv Employees check on the water level of previous water source, 5th site.

Key Insights

• Limited Groundwater Data and Monitoring: For eastern Rizal, including Tanay, there is a dearth of well-structured groundwater data, including water tables and piezometric maps.

• Environmental Concerns: The region's water bodies are at risk of contamination from surface activities and nutrient enrichment, which can lead to problems with groundwater quality.

• Risks of Groundwater Depletion: Research on Metro Manila and the neighboring provinces, including Rizal, shows that excessive groundwater exploitation causes land subsidence, dropping water tables, and saltwater intrusion. 

  
  

  

  Groundsolv Employee inspecting the water pipe of previous water source for repairs checks.

  
  

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.