India Groundwater Depth Map — CGWB

Pre-monsoon groundwater depth (m below ground level) for any Indian city per the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) Yearbook 2023. Five tiers from Very Shallow (< 5 m, Bengal delta) to Very Deep (> 40 m, Rajasthan desert). Drives borewell depth, foundation dewatering, and basement waterproofing.
11
very-shallow
76
shallow
81
moderate
17
deep
12
very-deep
Very Shallow · < 5 m below ground · < 5 m bgl
Shallow · 5–10 m bgl · 5–10 m bgl
Moderate · 10–20 m bgl · 10–20 m bgl
Deep · 20–40 m bgl · 20–40 m bgl
Very Deep · > 40 m bgl · > 40 m bgl
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Click any spot on the map to drop a pin and get the estimated zone. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

About groundwater depth

Water table depth fluctuates seasonally — pre-monsoon (May) is typically lowest, post-monsoon (October) is highest. CGWB monitors ~25,000 wells nationwide. Dewatering costs and basement waterproofing scale dramatically with depth: shallow tables require continuous pumping during construction (₹50K-2L) and pressure-relief slabs.

Practical implications

  • Very Shallow (< 5 m): mandatory dewatering, basement pressure-relief, buoyancy check.
  • Shallow (5-10 m): basement +1 dewatering. Borewell 30-50 m.
  • Moderate (10-20 m): no dewatering for foundations. Borewell 80-150 m.
  • Deep (20-40 m): borewell 150-300 m. Local rainwater harvesting strongly recommended.
  • Very Deep (> 40 m): borewell 200-500 m, often saline. CGWB restrictions on new bores; mandatory rainwater harvesting per state law.

Cross-references

Source IS / IRC / NBC standards

CPHEEO ManualWater supply + groundwater extraction guidanceIS 1904Foundation Loads — water-table effects on SBCIS 456:2000Below-water concrete durability

Related maps

RainfallAnnual recharge drives water-table movementSoil BearingBearing reduces below water tableCoastal ExposureCoastal water tables are saline

Calculators & tools

Water DemandPer-capita demand for site planningWTP SizingWater treatment capacityReservoir SizingStorage tank capacity for residential/commercial

Articles & guides

CE HandbookFoundation + dewatering reference

Frequently asked questions

Why is groundwater so deep in Rajasthan?

Western Rajasthan (Jaisalmer, Bikaner) has annual rainfall < 250 mm — minimal aquifer recharge. Combined with decades of over-extraction for agriculture, the water table dropped 0.5-1.0 m/year for 30+ years. Some districts now exceed 100 m. CGWB classifies these as 'Over-exploited' or 'Critical' blocks with new bore restrictions.

Does shallow groundwater affect foundation design?

Yes, significantly. Below water table, soil loses ~30-50% effective stress (buoyancy reduces apparent weight). SBC drops accordingly. For shallow water (< 5 m), dewatering during construction is mandatory; basement floor needs pressure-relief slabs or anti-buoyancy anchors. Long-term, basements waterproofed with crystalline admixtures + dimpled membranes.

Is rainwater harvesting mandatory in India?

Yes, in many states. Tamil Nadu (since 2003), Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana require rainwater harvesting structures for new buildings above certain plot sizes. Refer to CGWB Master Plan + state building bye-laws. Typical requirement: storage of 0.6 × annual rainfall × catchment area × 0.8 runoff coefficient.

Water-table depth is regional pre-monsoon average from CGWB. Local variation can be ±50% within a city — micro-aquifers, bedrock relief, urban abstraction patterns matter. For project-specific design, drill a test borewell or refer to nearest CGWB station record.

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