GIS-Based Groundwater Pollution Assessment Guides Third World Development Analysis

NEWARK CA, November 30, 2005: RMSI, the global IT services company with offices in India, the US and the UK, has evaluated the ground water pollution in industrializing areas of India using the standardized DRASTIC system. RMSI successfully used the DRASTIC method in the Rachi district of Jharkhand state of India to create pollution vulnerability maps, and to analyze cost/benefit ratios relating to development. The system relies on seven hydrogeologic settings, which also combine to create the DRASTIC acronym: Depth of water, annual Recharge, Aquifer media, Soil media, Topography, vadose zone Impact and hydraulic Conductivity.

The resulting pollution index and maps can be used by both public and private organizations to gauge susceptibility to groundwater pollution in the area, and to encourage economic development in those areas less vulnerable to groundwater pollution.

A well-established model, the DRASTIC system brings modern definitions and technologies to Third World development—the same areas where groundwater often represents the main source of drinking water are also the areas which can benefit most from increased industrial, agricultural and animal husbandry activity—precisely the type of activity with the greatest potential for groundwater contamination.