Groundwater Recharge Assessment and Recharge Zonation of the Intermontane Groundwater Basin, Chiang Mai, Thailand, Using a Groundwater Flow Model and Stable Isotopes

Muhammad Zakir Afridi, Nipada Santha, Sutthipong Taweelarp, Nattapol Ploymaklam, Morrakot Khebchareon, Muhammad Shoaib Qamar and Schradh Saenton ()
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Muhammad Zakir Afridi: M.S. Program in Environmental Science (CMU Presidential Scholarship), Environmental Science Research Center, Chiang Mai University, 239 Huaykaew Rd., Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Nipada Santha: Department of Geological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Sutthipong Taweelarp: Department of Geotechnology, Faculty of Technology, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
Nattapol Ploymaklam: Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Morrakot Khebchareon: Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Muhammad Shoaib Qamar: M.S. Program in Environmental Science (CMU Presidential Scholarship), Environmental Science Research Center, Chiang Mai University, 239 Huaykaew Rd., Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Schradh Saenton: M.S. Program in Environmental Science (CMU Presidential Scholarship), Environmental Science Research Center, Chiang Mai University, 239 Huaykaew Rd., Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 12, 1-22

Abstract: Urbanization, escalating agriculture, tourism, and industrial development in the Chiang Mai–Lamphun groundwater basin in northern Thailand have increased water demand, causing widespread groundwater extraction. Over the past few decades, there has been a rapid, unrecoverable steady drop in groundwater levels in several areas in Chiang Mai and Lamphun provinces. This study employed hydrogeological investigations, hydrometeorological data analyses, stable isotopic analysis (δ 18 O and δ 2 H), and groundwater flow modeling using a 3D groundwater flow model (MODFLOW) to quantify groundwater recharge and delineate important groundwater recharge zones within the basin. The results showed that floodplain deposits exhibited the highest recharge rate, 104.4 mm/y, due to their proximity to rivers and high infiltration capacity. In contrast, younger terrain deposits, covering the largest area of 1314 km 2 , contributed the most to total recharge volume with an average recharge rate of 99.8 mm/y. Seven significant recharge zones within the basin, where annual recharge rates exceeded 105 mm/y (average recharge of the entire basin), were also delineated. Zone 4, covering parts of densely populated Muaeng Lamphun, Ban Thi, and Saraphi districts, had the largest area of 330 km 2 and a recharge rate of 130.2 mm/y. Zone 6, encompassing Wiang Nong Long, Bai Hong, and Pa Sang districts, exhibited the highest recharge rate of 134.6 mm/y but covered a smaller area of 67 km 2 . Stable isotopic data verified that recent precipitation predominantly recharged shallow groundwater, with minimal evaporation or isotopic exchange. The basin-wide average recharge rate was 104 mm/y, reflecting the combined influence of geology, permeability, and spatial distribution. These findings provide critical insights for sustainable groundwater management in the region, particularly in the context of climate change and increasing water demand.

Keywords: groundwater recharge assessment; recharge zonation; MODFLOW; stable isotopes; Chiang Mai–Lamphun basin; sustainable groundwater management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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