Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID GU_2023_WEN_1

Establishing a GIS Model for Mapping Groundwater Protection Zones in Guam: Phase II

Institute: Guam
Year Established: 2023 Start Date: 2023-09-01 End Date: 2024-08-31
Total Federal Funds: $33,254 Total Non-Federal Funds: Not available

Principal Investigators: Yuming Wen

Project Summary: The high porosity and rapid recharge characteristics of the northern Guam lens aquifer (NDLA) make it vulnerable to contamination from urban runoff, chemical spills, effluents from septic tanks and sewage overflows. While Guam Waterworks Authority has collected a considerable amount of monitoring data over the years, and most of the data fall well below critical thresholds of concern and is paid little attention. However, these data may be useful for evaluation of changes of contaminants for a long term basis. Since groundwater in NGLA supplies about 90% daily water use, it’s crucial to update groundwater protection zones (GPZs) map, and make sure that water quality can be maintained so that the daily life of the people of the island will not be affected. The main purpose of the project will focus on establishing a GIS model for mapping GPZs in the northern Guam, particularly the NGLA.