The importance of hydrogeological and hydrological investigations in the residential area: a case study in Burdur,Turkey

Water resources in residential areas are negatively affected by floods. In addition, many aquifers are contaminated as a result of urbanization. Great damage caused during earthquakes are partly attributed to the residential pattern which ignores the potential effect of groundwater. Hydrogeological and hydrological surveys must be carried out in the residential areas to determine the interaction between water and residential development of all types.Recent hydrogeological and hydrological investigations regarding the impact of urbanization were made for the city of Burdur (Turkey). To evaluate the effect of earthquakes on groundwater, groundwater isohypse and groundwater isopach maps were prepared showing most of the buildings within the Burdur city boundaries, which are in the areas where groundwater depth is less than 10 m. This is considered a critical depth for liquefaction during an earthquake. Lowering of the groundwater table has to be considered as one of the alternatives in reducing earthquake hazards. The chemical makeup of groundwater was also determined to consider its relationship to contamination and possible effects upon the foundations. Streams flowing across the Burdur residential area formed a flooding risk. Results of the peak flow analysis can be used to design improvements for the city. Maps of the best residential development areas have been prepared by using hydrological and hydrogeological results.