Bulalacao has 110 wells and springs but freshwater supply can be scarce in some areas during the dry season, a study finds.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Mimaropa Region has conducted a groundwater resource and vulnerability assessment in Bulalacao. Its goal was to produce a hydrogeologic map of the area and assist local government units in effective groundwater resources management.

The team collected data from 110 water point inventory sites, consisting of 67 wells and 43 springs, said the MGB.

The assessment found that most barangays in Bulalacao have groundwater manifesting as spring emanations, discharging vast amounts of freshwater from fractured or dissolved rocks (limestones) or areas with thick soil cover.

However, the MGB noted that the rate of groundwater discharge is affected by seasonal variations, resulting in recurring freshwater scarcity in most barangays during the dry season.

The team also conducted Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) surveys in seven barangays to infer the presence or absence of groundwater several meters below the ground surface.

The primary and secondary data gathered will be processed to produce hydrogeologic and water quality maps, as well as georesistivity section profiles and interpretations per municipality.

The MGB said the maps and profiles could provide valuable information to local government units for effective groundwater resources management.