




































Asian Review of Environmental 

and Earth Sciences 
ISSN(E) : 2313-8173  
ISSN(P) : 2518-0134 
Vol. 4, No. 1, 1-6, 2017 

http://www.asianonlinejournals.com/index.php/AREES 
 

 
 

 

 

1 

 

Analysis of Groundwater on Wetland Area in Kapuas 

Regency, Central Kalimantan Indonesia 

 
Deasy Arisanty1

     

Sidharta Adyatma2     

Ellyn Normelani3     

Apriyanto4    

 

 
( Corresponding Author) 

 

1,2,3,4
Geography education department, Lambung Mangkurat University, Banjarmasin Indonesia 

 
 

 
Abstract 

Southern part of Kalimantan is wetland area that included the groundwater basin of Palangkaraya-

Banjarmasin. The assessment of the potential of ground water in wells includes the quantity of water use 

on artesian wells, the physical quality of artesian well water and the groundwater uses. The method used 

in this study is a survey method with the number of wells drilled studied is 17 wells and 46 wells users. 

Analysis of the data is the percentage obtained from questionnaires distributed to the artesian well. Field 

measurements obtain the water quality data artesian well. The results showed that the quantity of water 

is good quantity. The water in wells is never dry despite the dry season. Artesian well water quality is 

not good for consumption. Based on interviews with residents and the results of field measurements, 

water color will be red when boiled, so that the water is only used for washing and bathing.  
 

Keywords: Groundwater, Wells, Wetlands. 

 

Contents 
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................................... 2 

2. Research Methods .................................................................................................................................................................. 2 

3. Results and Discussion ........................................................................................................................................................... 2 

4. Conclusion .............................................................................................................................................................................. 5 

References .................................................................................................................................................................................. 5 

 

 
Citation | Deasy Arisanty; Sidharta Adyatma; Ellyn Normelani; Apriyanto (2017). Analysis of Groundwater on Wetland Area in Kapuas Regency, Central 

Kalimantan Indonesia. Asian Review of Environmental and Earth Sciences, 4(1): 1-6. 

DOI: 10.20448/journal.506.2017.41.1.6           

ISSN(E) : 2313-8173  

ISSN(P) : 2518-0134 

Licensed:  

Contribution/Acknowledgement: 
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License  

All authors contributed to the conception and design of the study. 

Funding: This study received no specific financial support. 

Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interests. 

Transparency: The authors confirm that the manuscript is an honest, accurate, and transparent account of the study was reported; that no 

vital features of the study have been omitted; and that any discrepancies from the study as planned have been explained. 

History: Received: 31 January 2017/ Revised: 7 March 2017/ Accepted: 9 March 2017/ Published: 10 March 2017 

Ethical: This study follows all ethical practices during writing.   

Publisher: Asian Online Journal Publishing Group 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Asian Review of Environmental and Earth Sciences, 2017, 4(1): 1-6 

2 

 

 

1. Introduction 
Development increasing has the effect for the high of water consumers. Water supply source is from surface 

water, but in some areas, surface water supply is often insufficient. Hence, the other source such as groundwater 

needs to be inventoried [1]. 

Potential of groundwater always refers to the quantity of the groundwater availability and quality of groundwater 

[2]. Good quantity and good quality of groundwater is used for community needs. Community needs consists of 

domestic uses, i.e. for drinking and non-domestic uses, i.e. for agriculture. The domestic and non-domestic uses have 

impact for water quantity and quality [3]. 

Wetland is the high of potential waters but the human intervention may have effect for the waters quantity and 

quality. The decreases of wetland area may decreases amount of waters in wetland areas [4, 5]. The effect of human 

activity for water in wetland area are high urbanization, high population, mining and oil activity, industrial activity, 

illegal logging, overgrazing, transportation, uncontrolled agricultural, uncontrolled land reclamation. The natural 

effects for wetland area are subsidence, saltwater intrusion, sand storm, desertification and droughts, invasion of 

alien flora and fauna [5]. 

Kuala Kapuas Regency is part of groundwater basin of Banjarmasin-Palangkaraya. The basin is wetland area. 

The spread of the water basin covers an area of ± 95,980 km
2
. The major aquifer lithology of basin is alluvium 

sediment beaches, rivers and wetlands such as gravel, gravel, and sand with graduation medium-high, and less 

coherent sedimentary rock composed of quartz sandstones and conglomerates, with high graduation. Precipitation in 

the basin has ranges between 2,000-2,500 mm/year.  Groundwater potential in the shallow aquifer (non-distressed) is 

about ± 32,393 x 10 m³/year [6]. 

Potential groundwater in the basin is very high. Groundwater resources can be utilized as a source of clean water 

in groundwater basin of Banjarmasin-Palangkaraya. The higher of population growth in the region, the higher also 

need water for daily use [6].  

The objectives of research are to analyze the quantity of groundwater in artesian well of Kapuas Regency, to 

analyze the quality of groundwater in artesian well of Kapuas Regency, to analyze groundwater uses in Kapuas 

Regency. 

 

2. Research Methods 
The research location is wetland area in groundwater basin of Banjarmasin-Palangkaraya. Groundwater is taken 

through artesian well, which the artesian well are spread throughout the basin. The number of samples is 17 of 

wellbore. Respondents from user of artesian well are 43 people. Data are obtained through a questionnaire to identify 

the quantity of groundwater (the amount of ground water in the artesian well, the material, the depth of the wells, 

drought artesian well, material in the artesian well, the quality of drilled wells, and the type of use of the artesian 

well). Field measurements collects the physical quality of groundwater which includes the taste of water, the color of 

water, the smell of the water, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), the content of NaCl, and TDS. The location 

of research is presented in Figure 1. 

 

 
Figure-1. Location of research 

Source: Administration map of Kapuas District (2016)   

 

3. Results and Discussion 
A. Potential of Groundwater in Artesian well in Research Area 

1. Quantity of Groundwater 

a. The Quantity of Ground Water in the Artesian Well 

The quantity of groundwater is determined by the amount of available of groundwater during the wet season and 

dry season. More of water taken in the artesian well indicates that groundwater has large quantities. Groundwater in 

artesian wells in the wet season and dry season is presented in Table 1 and Figure 1. 

 



Asian Review of Environmental and Earth Sciences, 2017, 4(1): 1-6 

3 

 

 

Table-1. The quantity of groundwater uses in wet season and dry season 

Criteria 
Wet season Dry season 

F % f % 

40-60 liter 40 93.02 4 9.30 

60-80 liter 1 2.33 3 6.98 

80-100 liter 2 4.65 2 4.65 

> 100 liter 0 0.00 34 79.07 

Total  43 100 43 100 
              Source: Primary data analysis (2016) 

 

 
Figure-2. The quantity of groundwater uses in wet season and dry season 

Source: Primary Data Analysis (2016) 
 

Artesian well is used by the people, especially in the dry season due to people use water from other sources in 

wet season, example from rainwater and rivers. Water wells uses approximately 79.07% of people. This indicates 

that the water wells have a good potential to serve as a source of clean water for daily needs, especially in the dry 

season. 

 

b. The Depth of the Artesian Well 

Artesian well in swamp area is a relatively deep well to obtain the high groundwater quantity and good quality. 

The depth of wells drilled in the study area is presented in Table 2 and Figure 2. 

 
Table-2. The depth of the artesian well 

Criteria Frequency (f) Percentage (%) 

< 50 meter 2 4.65 

50-75 meter 1 2.33 

75-100 meter 5 11.63 

> 100 meter 35 81.40 

Total 43 100 
                      Source: Primary data analysis (2016) 

 

Wells in the study area is a deep well, since 81.4% has a depth of > 100 meters. It is intended to get water in 

large quantities and a better quality. The Shallow wells have a risk of drought and low of ph. 

 

c. Drought in Artesian Wells 

Drought in artesian well may occur in the dry season. Drought of artesian well is presented in Table 3. 

 
Table-3. The Artesian Wells Drought 

Criteria Frequency (f) Percentage (%) 

Never 40 93.02 

Sometimes 2 4.65 

Often 1 2.33 

Always 0 0.00 

Total 43 100 
                       Source: Primary data analysis (2016) 

 

The data in Table 3 indicates that drought never occurred in wells. About 93.02% of the respondents claimed that 

drought never occurs in the rainy season and the dry season. This indicates that the wells in the wetland of Kapuas 

Regency has good potential due to water is always available in the wet season and the dry season. 

 

d. Materials of Groundwater 

Material of well determine the quantity of groundwater. Groundwater with the sand material has the good 

aquifer. Material on the wells is presented in Table 4. 

 

 

 

 

 



Asian Review of Environmental and Earth Sciences, 2017, 4(1): 1-6 

4 

 

 

Table-4. Material of wells artesian 

Criteria Frequency (f) Percentage (%) 

Sand and gravel 10 23.26 

Fine sand 32 74.42 

Clay 1 2.33 

Rock 0 0.00 

Total 43 100.00 
                Source: Primary data analysis (2016) 

 

The data in Table 4 illustrates that the material in the wells is dominated by fine sand (74.42%). Sand and gravel 

has the percentage about 23.26 %.The groundwater in the study area included in the aquifer. It means the 

groundwater has a good potential. There are approximately 2.33% of wells has a clay material. This means that the 

wells artesian have the low potential. The wellbore is possible to dry, especially during the dry season. 

 

2. Groundwater Quality 

Result of ground water measurement is presented in Table 5. 

 
Table-5. Groundwater quality 

No Sub district Village Water 

flavor 

Temperature 

(
o
C) 

DHL 

(µs) 

NaCl 

(%) 

TDS 

ppm 
Color Water Smell 

1 Selat Selat Dalam  tasteless 29.4 578 1.50 287 Clear Smell of mud 

2 Selat Selat Dalam  tasteless 29.4 577 1.50 286 Clear Smell of mud 

3 Selat Selat Dalam  tasteless 29.4 578 1.50 287 Clear Smell of mud 

4 Selat Selat Dalam  tasteless 29.3 578 1.50 287 Clear Smell of mud 

5 Selat Selat Dalam  tasteless 29.4 578 1.50 286 Clear Smell of mud 

6 Selat Selat Dalam  tasteless 29.3 577 1.50 286 Clear Smell of mud 

7 Selat Selat Utara tasteless 31.8 349 1.10 174 Clear odorless 

8 Selat Selat Utara tasteless 31.3 350 1.20 173 Clear odorless 

9 Selat Selat Utara tasteless 31.7 350 1.10 173 Clear odorless 

10 Selat Selat Utara tasteless 31.8 348 1.10 174 Clear odorless 

11 Selat Selat Tengah tasteless 31.6 752 1.90 375 Clear odorless 

12 Selat Selat Barat tasteless 31.6 536 1.40 262 Clear odorless 

13 Selat Selat Hilir tasteless 30 561 1.40 279 Clear odorless 

14 Selat Selat Hilir tasteless 30 560 1.40 278 Clear odorless 

15 Selat Selat Hilir tasteless 30.5 560 1.40 278 Clear odorless 

16 Selat Selat Hilir tasteless 30.2 562 1.40 279 Clear odorless 

17 Selat Selat Barat tasteless 31.7 753 1.90 376 Clear odorless 
    Source: Primary data analysis (2016) 

 

Table 5 illustrates the quality of artesian well water of about 17 boreholes have been measured physical quality. 

In terms of taste, water wellbore has the tasteless with the temperatures ranging between 31.8-29.3 °C. Electrical 

conductivity is low, it means that the water is fresh water due to the DHL value is an approximately 300-500 μs. 

NaCl content is about 1.2-1.9% NaCl or low of NaCl. TDS value or the amount of sediment dissolved is ranging 

from 100-300 ppm, which means including a lower category. Wellbore water is also in clear conditions but some of 

the wellbore has mud smell. In general, wellbore waters in the study area in terms of the physical qualities are 

eligible to be used for everyday purposes. 

 
Table-6. Physical quality of ground water in the wellbore based on user perception 

Criteria 
Water smell Water color Water turbidity 

Frequency (f) Percentage (%) Frequency (f) Percentage (%) Frequency (f) Percentage (%) 

Never 23 53.49 36 83.72 36 83.72 

Rarely 16 37.21 5 11.63 4 9.30 

Often 2 4.65 2 4.65 2 4.65 

Always 2 4.65 0 0.00 1 2.33 

Total 43 100 43 100 43 100 
 Source: Primary data analysis (2016) 

 

Based on the analysis in Table 6 most users stated that the wellbore are never odorless, colorless, and not cloudy. 

Thus, the people stated that in terms of physical quality, wellbore water in research area is classified as good of 

physical quality. 

 

B. The Uses of Groundwater 

The use of groundwater in wellbore in research area is presented in Table 7. 

Based on data in Table 7 the most of the water in the wellbore is used for household needs such as for drinking, 

sanitation, bathing and washing. This is consistent with the objective of making the wellbore to satisfy the needs of 

clean water in the wetland area. The non-domestic uses of wells waters are for mosque and schools. 

Table 8 explains that the most people do not use artesian well water for drinking and cooking. According to 

them, if the water is heated, the water color will change to red indicating the iron content in the water is high enough. 

This causes people to worry poisoning when consumed the water from an artesian well. The water is used for 

sanitation, bathing, and washing. Thus, although the potential is high artesian well water but the water cannot be used 

for drinking water sources. People still have to look for other water sources, for example from rainwater or bottled 



Asian Review of Environmental and Earth Sciences, 2017, 4(1): 1-6 

5 

 

 

water factory with a better quality than the water in the wellbore. Nevertheless, the presence of artesian well water 

helps the community to meet the needs of water for sanitation, bathing and washing, especially during the dry 

season. 

 
Table-7. The use of groundwater in the wellbore 

No Sub District Village Groundwater uses 

1 Selat Selat Dalam  Domestic 

2 Selat Selat Dalam  Domestic 

3 Selat Selat Dalam  Domestic 

4 Selat Selat Dalam  Domestic 

5 Selat Selat Dalam  Domestic 

6 Selat Selat Dalam  Domestic 

7 Selat Selat Utara Domestic 

8 Selat Selat Utara Domestic 

9 Selat Selat Utara Non domestic 

10 Selat Selat Utara Non domestic 

11 Selat Selat Tengah Domestic 

12 Selat Selat Barat Domestic 

13 Selat Selat Hilir Domestic 

14 Selat Selat Hilir Domestic 

15 Selat Selat Hilir Domestic 

16 Selat Selat Hilir Non domestic 

17 Selat Selat Barat Domestic 
               Source: Primary data analysis (2016) 

  
Tabel-8. Groundwater uses 

Criteria  
Drinking Cooking Sanitation Bathing Washing 

f % f % f % f % f % 

Always 0 0.00 1 2.33 12 27.91 23 53.49 24 55.81 

Often 1 2.33 3 6.98 22 51.16 14 32.56 19 44.19 

Rarely 3 6.98 4 9.30 6 13.95 2 4.65 0 0.00 

Never 39 90.70 35 81.40 3 6.98 4 9.30 0 0.00 

Total  43 100 43 100 43 100 43 100 43 100 
Source: Primary data analysis (2016) 

 

Groundwater contained in wetland area of Banjarmasin Palangkaraya have high potential due to the wells is 

never drought despite in the dry season. Water is also categorized as a good aquifer because of the sand material. 

People use the groundwater in large quantities, especially in the dry season. Wellbore has been the source of water 

used by the public, especially in the dry season. Physical quality of groundwater in research area is tasteless, 

colorless, tasteless, low salt content, and low sediment dissolved which indicates that the physical quality of water is 

good.  

Groundwater is contained in the wellbore has been used by people for their daily needs, especially for sanitation, 

washing and bathing. People do not use artesian well water for cooking or drinking because the water will be 

changed to red when heated. Community use rainwater or bottled water for drinking and cooking. 

Wetland groundwater has the high of dissolved organic carbon due to the groundwater flows through the high of 

organic sediment [7]. The flood flows through groundwater has effect for characteristic of groundwater and surface 

water on wetland [8]. Surface water flows in wetland, then groundwater rises stagnant [9].  

Arisanty [10] stated that the basin of Banjarmasin-Palangkaraya, especially in Barito Delta has the material 

consist of sand, clay, and sand and brackish water. Sand layer has the thickness about 7 m, clay has the thickness 

about 36-65 m sand and brackish water has the thickness about 29 m. The thickness of sand material indicates that 

the basin has the high potential of groundwater but the organic material and brackish water decreases the quality of 

groundwater.  

 

4. Conclusion 
The quantity of groundwater in wellbore is good because the wells never drought despite in the dry season. 

Generally, physical quality of water wells is good quality, but there are few boreholes smelling mud that indicates a 

less good quality. Wellbore water is used for sanitation, bathing and washing. Water is not used for drinking and 

cooking because of their reddish color when water is heated.  

 

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