In Malaysia, groundwater exploitation can help to meet parts of the increasing demand of water. Currently, groundwater is being used to meet various types of demand namely domestic (60%), industry (35%) and agriculture (5%). The use of groundwater for domestic purposes is mainly confined to rural areas, where there is no piped water supply. However, in some states like Kelantan and Perlis, groundwater is being significantly utilised for public water supply. The other states, which supplement the water supply systems groundwater, are Terengganu, Pahang, Sarawak and Sabah. In Kelantan, about 70% of the total water supply is derived from groundwater. In this state, the rural population is dependent so much on groundwater for their daily consumption, and mostly is obtain from shallow dug wells. In Malaysia and during the 1998 dry spell, groundwater has provided relief for the people, especially in Selangor and Sarawak. Although there is a great potential in the use groundwater supplies to meet the increasing demand, a more systematic approach must be established to ensure a sustainable development of groundwater.

 

With respect to the hydro-geologic, the aquifers in Melaka are generally metamorphic rock, igneous rock, and consolidated alluvium layer, which is built of clay or sand at the seaside area. The main limestone is found forward the northwest, at the centre and east Tengah district and the minor limestone found in various directions in metamorphic rock or granite. The thickness of the alluvium layer is between 2.25 m – 19.5 m.

 

Based on studies conducted by Department of Minerals and Geosciences and Sime Darby Bhd., for the states of Melaka and Perak, wells which were constructed either in alluvium or in rock aquifers are able to produce water in the range of 1.0MLD to 1.4MLD. However the chemical and mineral analysis of water from investigated wells in Melaka recorded lower pH value (i.e. 6.4 to 7.8), low chloride content ranges from 3mg/L to 6mg/L (recommended value for portable water shall be 250mg/L) with higher manganese 0.3mg/L (recommended value for portable water shall be below 0.05mg/L). Those well constructed closer to the coastal area indicates present of salt water which may not be suitable to use as portable water without treatment. In summary the groundwater from the studied area require some degree of treatment.