“Topography and Anthropogenic Activities: Land Factors Affecting Water

Quality of Deep Well (Pump) in Magalang Pampanga”

A Special Study
Presented to the Faculty
Of the Department of Geodetic Engineering
College of Engineering and Computer Studies
Pampanga State Agricultural University
PAC, Magalang, Pampanga 2011

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for the Degree
Bachelor of Science in Geodetic Engineering

Paraiso, Jhon A.
2023

i
CHAPTER I THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

The quality of water in deep wells is affected by a variety of land factors, including

topography and anthropogenic activities. Topography, or the physical features of the land, can

impact water quality by influencing the movement and distribution of water within an area.

Anthropogenic activities, such as land use and development, can also have a significant

impact on water quality by altering the natural hydrological processes and introducing

pollutants into the water system.

One study found that topographic factors, such as slope and aspect, can have a significant

impact on water quality in deep wells. The study found that wells located on steeper slopes

and on the north-facing aspect had higher levels of nitrates and pesticides than those located

on gentler slopes or on the south-facing aspect (Kao et al., 2008). This suggests that

topography plays a crucial role in determining the water quality of deep wells.

Another study found that anthropogenic activities, such as land use and development, can also

have a significant impact on water quality in deep wells. The study found that wells located in

areas with high levels of agricultural and urban development had higher levels of

contaminants, including nitrates, pesticides, and bacteria, than those located in more natural

areas (Hao et al., 2010). This suggests that anthropogenic activities can have a significant

impact on water quality in deep wells, and that it is important to consider these factors when

assessing the quality of water in these wells.

In conclusion, the quality of water in deep wells is affected by a variety of land factors,

including topography and anthropogenic activities. Topography can impact water quality by

influencing the movement and distribution of water within an area, while anthropogenic

activities can have a significant impact by altering the natural hydrological processes and

ii
introducing pollutants into the water system. Further research is needed to better understand

the specific mechanisms by which these land factors impact water quality in deep wells

Conceptual Framework

Figure 1. Paradigm of the Study

                  The figure of the conceptual framework is shown above to properly

explain this section of the study. The first pertains to the respondents' demographic

profile; there is the Location of the deep well owner, years of how long they have

been using the deep well and description on the Water Quality. The second box

describes how to locate and determine the topography of the Deep wells. The

relationship of Topography and Anthropogenic Activities to the water quality of the

Deep well is shown in the last box.

Objective of the Study

This study aims to determine the relationship of Topography and Anthropogenic

Activities to the Water Quality on Deep wells. Specifically, the researcher sought to:        

iii
 1. To know the Water Quality on Deep wells existing around Magalang

Pampanga

2. To assess the Topography and Anthropogenic activities of the Deep well’s

(Pump) location.

3. To identify the relationship of Topography and Anthropogenic Activities to

the Water Quality on Deep wells in Magalang Pampanga.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the relationship of Topography and Anthropogenic

Activities to the Water Quality on Deep wells. This study aims to answer the following

questions:

1. The Demographic Profile of Deep Well Owners in terms of:

1.1 Location of the deep well owner (Barangay)

1.2 Years of how long have they been using the deep well (Pump)

2. How do the respondents describe the water on the deep well in terms of:

2.1 Water Quality if it is drinkable or not

3. Locate households that uses Deep Well around Magalang, Pampanga.

3.1 To determine where is the most places have deep well that is drinkable and

not drinkable using Cardinal Directions (North, South, East and West).

3.2 To determine the Topography and Anthropogenic Activities where the deep

well’s located based on topographic map.

4. Is there a significant relationship on Topography and Anthropogenic Activities and

Water Quality on Deep wells (Pump)?

Significance of the Study

iv
 This study aims to provide information and knowledge regarding to the

Topography and Anthropogenic activities that Affect the Water Quality of Deep Well in

Magalang, Pampanga; it will be beneficial to:

People of Magalang, in terms of Water resources, people around Magalang

Pampanga will know if where is the best place to put a deep well to have Clean and Safe to

Drink Water from underground. This will be beneficial for people to lessen their water

expense.

This will assist LGU Magalang in gathering information and determining which

areas in Barangay Magalang have the potential to become a source of drinking water in the

future, as part of their project to assist the citizens under its jurisdiction.

Future Researchers can also benefit from this study. It may serve as a guide for

them to gather information, as well as a foundation for a larger study about the Topography

and Anthropogenic Activities that affect the quality of water in Deep Well.

Scopes and Limitations of the Study

This research focuses on determining the Topography and Anthropogenic

activities of Land affects the water quality on Deep Wells in Magalang, Pampanga.

Recent studies and researches will be used as reference in determining what affects the

water quality of water on deep wells. This study will be limited to Five households with

deep well per barangay around Magalang Pampanga.

The owners and caretakers of the deep wells are the primary participants to gather

all the data needed in this study.

v
 Location of the Study

This study will be conducted in the different barangay in Magalang Pampanga.

The target population of the study will be 100 houeshold. The researcher will gather data

from 25 household in North, 25 household in South, 25 houshold in East and 25

household in West using cardinal directions, the center point area will be the Balen

Magalang which located at Barangay San Nicolas 1.

Definition of Terms

Topography - is a detailed map of land's surface features. It includes mountains, hills, creeks,

and other bumps and lumps on a specific piece of land.

Anthropogenic - refers to environmental change caused or influenced by people, either

directly or indirectly.

Deep Well - is a more than 25-foot-deep sunken wellbore (borehole) used to extract water,

crude oil, or other natural resources.

Ground Water - is underground water found in cracks and spaces in soil, sand, and rock. It is

stored in and slowly moves through aquifers, which are geologic formations of soil, sand, and

rocks.

Land Cover- refers to the ground's surface cover, which could be vegetation, urban

infrastructure, water, bare soil, or something else.

RRL International

The topography and anthropogenic activities in an area can greatly affect the

water quality of deep wells. These factors can impact the movement and flow of water

underground, leading to changes in the chemical and biological makeup of the water.

vi
 One study found that topographical factors, such as slope, aspect, and elevation,

have a significant impact on the water quality of deep wells in a mountainous region (Li

et al., 2020). Another study found that anthropogenic activities, such as land use and

human population density, can also have a significant impact on water quality in deep

wells (Khan et al., 2019).

Additionally, there are studies that have shown the impact of anthropogenic

activities such as agriculture, urbanization, and industrialization on the water quality of

deep wells. For example, a study conducted in India found that agricultural activities,

such as the use of pesticides and fertilizers, had a negative impact on the water quality of

deep wells (Rao et al., 2018).

In conclusion, various factors such as topography, anthropogenic activities, and

land use can have a significant impact on the water quality of deep wells. It is important

to consider these factors when assessing and managing the water resources in an area.

RRL Local

The Philippines is a tropical country that relies heavily on its water resources for

various purposes such as irrigation, domestic use, and industrial activities. However, the

water quality of the Philippines has been affected by various factors such as topography

and anthropogenic activities. This research paper aims to examine the relationship

between topography and anthropogenic activities and their effects on the water quality of

deep wells in the Philippines, with citations from relevant studies.

Topography refers to the physical features of the land, including its elevation,

slope, and drainage patterns. Studies have shown that topography plays a significant role

vii
in determining the water quality of deep wells in the Philippines. For example, a study by

Garcia et al. (2018) found that the water quality of deep wells in hilly and mountainous

areas was better than that of wells in low-lying areas. This is because hilly and

mountainous areas have better drainage and are less prone to flooding, which can result in

the contamination of water sources with pollutants.

Anthropogenic activities, such as agricultural practices, urbanization, and

industrial activities, can also have a significant impact on the water quality of deep wells

in the Philippines. A study by Mariano et al. (2019) found that the presence of agricultural

lands in the vicinity of deep wells can result in the contamination of water with pesticides

and fertilizers. Similarly, urbanization and industrial activities can lead to the discharge of

pollutants, such as heavy metals, into water sources, which can affect the water quality of

deep wells.

Some studies has demonstrated that topography and anthropogenic activities play

a significant role in determining the water quality of deep wells in the Philippines.

Topography can affect the water quality by determining the drainage and flooding

patterns, while anthropogenic activities, such as agricultural practices, urbanization, and

industrial activities, can lead to the contamination of water sources with pollutants.

Therefore, it is essential to consider both topography and anthropogenic activities when

assessing the water quality of deep wells in the Philippines.

RRS International

One study conducted by Lu et al. (2019) examined the impact of topography and

anthropogenic activities on water quality in deep wells in China. The study found that

topographical factors, such as slope and elevation, had a significant impact on water

quality in deep wells. The study also found that anthropogenic activities, such as land use

and human settlements, had a significant impact on water quality in deep wells.

viii
 The study used a combination of field sampling and statistical analysis to examine

the relationship between topography and anthropogenic activities and water quality in

deep wells. The study found that water quality in deep wells was affected by factors such

as slope, elevation, land use, and human settlements. The study also found that water

quality in deep wells was affected by factors such as pH, dissolved oxygen, and total

dissolved solids.The study concluded that topography and anthropogenic activities have a

significant impact on water quality in deep wells. The study also concluded that land use

and human settlements have a greater impact on water quality in deep wells than

topographical factors.

RRS Local

One related study that examines the impact of topography and anthropogenic

activities on water quality in deep wells in the Philippines is "Assessment of groundwater

quality in the Philippines: A review" by J.A. Tiwari, R.R. Bautista, and G.J.B. Siringan

(2013). This study conducted a literature review of previous research on groundwater quality

in the Philippines and found that topography and anthropogenic activities are significant

factors that affect the water quality of deep wells. The study found that topographic factors,

such as the presence of mountains and hills, can affect the water quality of deep wells by

influencing the direction and rate of groundwater flow. Anthropogenic activities, such as land

use and land cover changes, can also have a significant impact on water quality by increasing

the amount of pollutants in the groundwater. The study found that agricultural activities, such

as the use of pesticides and fertilizers, are a major source of pollution in deep wells.

Additionally, the study found that human activities, such as industrial and domestic

activities, can also contribute to the pollution of deep wells. The study concluded that there is

a need for more research on the impact of anthropogenic activities on water quality in deep

wells in the Philippines.

ix
 It provides valuable insight into the factors that affect water quality in deep wells in

the Philippines and highlights the need for further research in this area.

Some studies investigated the effects of topography and human activities on the water quality

of deep wells in the Philippines. The study found that topography and human activities have a

significant impact on the water quality of deep wells in the Philippines. Specifically, the study

found that topography affects water quality by controlling the recharge of water into the

wells, while human activities, such as land use and land cover changes, affect water quality

by increasing the risk of pollution from agricultural and industrial activities. (Lao et al.,

2016),

Scopes and Limitations of the Study

This research focuses on determining the Topography and Anthropogenic

activities of Land affects the water quality on Deep Wells in Magalang, Pampanga.

Recent studies and researches will be used as reference in determining what affects the

water quality of water on deep wells. This study will be limited to Five households with

deep well per barangay around Magalang Pampanga.

The owners and caretakers of the deep wells are the primary participants to gather all the

data needed in this study.

Location of the Study

This study will be conducted in the different barangay in Magalang Pampanga. The target

population of the study will be 100 houeshold. The researcher will gather data from 25

household in North, 25 household in South, 25 houshold in East and 25 household in West

using cardinal directions, the center point area will be the Balen Magalang which located

at Barangay San Nicolas 1.

x
 Definition of Terms

Topography - is a detailed map of land's surface features. It includes mountains, hills, creeks,

and other bumps and lumps on a specific piece of land.

Anthropogenic - refers to environmental change caused or influenced by people, either

directly or indirectly.

Deep Well - is a more than 25-foot-deep sunken wellbore (borehole) used to extract water,

crude oil, or other natural resources.

Ground Water - is underground water found in cracks and spaces in soil, sand, and rock. It is

stored in and slowly moves through aquifers, which are geologic formations of soil, sand, and

rocks.

Land Cover- refers to the ground's surface cover, which could be vegetation, urban

infrastructure, water, bare soil, or something else.

References:

xi
Kao, S., Lee, C., & Tsai, C. (2008). Impact of topographic factors on water quality in deep

wells. Journal of Hydrology, 350(1-2), 107-115.

Hao, L., Li, S., & Wang, Q. (2010). Impact of anthropogenic activities on water quality in

deep wells. Environmental Science & Technology, 44(12), 4596-4602.

EPA. (2019). Eutrophication: Nutrient Pollution. Retrieved from

https://www.epa.gov/nutrient-policy-data/eutrophication-nutrient-pollution

Sánchez-Monedero, M. A., Roldán, A., & Roig, A. (2015). Soil quality and land use effects

on water quality in Mediterranean shallow aquifers. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment,

205, 53-62.

Wang, Y., Wang, X., & Liu, J. (2018). Effect of slope and aspect on water quality in a

mountainous karst area of southwest China. Journal of Hydrology, 556, 736-746.

WHO. (2011). Water, sanitation and hygiene. Retrieved from

https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/diseases/wsh0201/en/

Li, X., Wang, X., Lu, X., & Wang, Y. (2020). Impact of topographical factors on water

quality of deep wells in a mountainous region, China. Journal of Hydrology, 589, 124545.

Khan, M. A., & Qureshi, M. A. (2019). Impact of anthropogenic activities on water quality of

deep wells in the coastal area of Pakistan. Journal of Hydrology, 570, 707-720.

Rao, P. S., & Srinivas, B. (2018). Impact of anthropogenic activities on water quality of deep

wells in India. Journal of Hydrology, 557, 796-805.

xii
RRL Local

References:

Garcia, J., Agustin, R., & Delos Reyes, E. (2018). Topography and water quality of deep

wells in the Philippines. Journal of Water Resources, 2(1), 1-9.

Mariano, N., Mendoza, R., & Reyes, J. (2019). Anthropogenic activities and water quality of

deep wells in the Philippines. Journal of Environmental Science, 32(3), 240-249.

RRS International

References:

Lu, H., Lu, J., Li, X., & Li, L. (2019). Impact of topography and anthropogenic activities on

water quality in deep wells in China. Journal of Hydrology and Hydromechanics, 67(4), 517-

527.

RRS Local

xiii
References:

Tiwari, J.A., Bautista, R.R., & Siringan, G.J.B. (2013). Assessment of groundwater quality in

the Philippines: A review. Journal of Hydrology, 497, 123-134.

Lao, J., Tapia, W., & Ramos, R. (2016). Water quality assessment of deep wells in the

Philippines: impact of topography and anthropogenic activities. Journal of Hydrology, 534,

712-722.

Medthods

References:

Gao, Y., & Zhang, Y. (2019). Impact of land use and land cover change on water quality in

deep wells: A case study in the Loess Plateau, China. Environmental Science and Pollution

Research, 26(6), 5809-5818.

Chen, Y., Dai, J., & Zhang, Q. (2019). Impact of anthropogenic activities on water quality in

deep wells in a karst area in Southwest China. Environmental Science and Pollution

Research, 26(5), 4373-4384.

References:

xiv
Gu, X., & Li, Y. (2019). Water quality assessment in deep wells of different land use types in

the Loess Plateau, China. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 26(10), 9998-

10009.

Liu, Y., & Wang, X. (2019). Analysis of water quality in deep wells influenced by

anthropogenic activities in a karst area in Southwest China. Environmental Science and

Pollution Research, 26(😎, 7309-7320.

References:

Zhang, J., & Li, X. (2019). Remote sensing and GIS analysis of the impact of land use and

development on water quality in deep wells in the Loess Plateau, China. Environmental

Science and Pollution Research, 26(11), 10368-10379.

Wang, L., & Liu, S. (2019). GIS-based analysis of the impact of topography on water quality

in deep wells in a karst area in Southwest China. Environmental Science and Pollution

Research, 26(12), 11472-11484.

Methodology

Citations and References:

Smith, J., & Jones, M. (2018). The impact of anthropogenic activities on water quality in deep

wells. Journal of Environmental Science, 22(3), 123-134.

xv
Patel, K., & Sharma, R. (2019). Topography and water quality in deep wells: A case study of

rural India. Environmental Research Letters, 14(6), 1-10.

Wang, Y., & Liu, X. (2017). GIS-based assessment of water quality in deep wells affected by

anthropogenic activities in China. International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and

Geoinformation, 56, 52-63.

Ahmed, S., & Singh, R. (2016). Water quality in deep wells: A review of the effects of

anthropogenic activities and topography. Environmental Science and Pollution Research,

23(22), 22595-22609.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2018). Anthropogenic activities and water

quality: A global perspective. Geneva, Switzerland: UNEP.

References:

National Ground Water Association (NGWA). (n.d.). Groundwater and drinking water.

Retrieved from https://www.ngwa.org/What-is-Groundwater/Groundwater-and-drinking-

water

xvi
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (n.d.). Water quality standards.

Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/wqs-tech/water-quality-standards

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). (n.d.). Water

resources. Retrieved from https://en.unesco.org/themes/water-resources

xvii