Groundwater Study in Sandakan, Sabah

Sandakan is the second largest town in Sabah after Kota Kinabalu.  It is located on the north-east coast of Borneo in Malaysia.  Very recently, a visit to Sandakan was conducted to investigate its groundwater quality. Groundwater is regarded as the most important water resource in Sandakan and managed by Jabatan Air Sandakan.  Generally, the groundwater resource in Sandakan is tapped from two deep seated aquifers, located at 150 m and 250 m in a sedimentary rock formation.  The groundwater is good, very clean, fresh and safely located far below from the influence of human activities.  Most of the wells in Sandakan are classified as confined aquifer.  It means that the piezometric surface of the groundwater is located above the ground and the water can be seen flows to the ground without pumping.

Discussion on site with Mr Siva from TIMATCH Resources Sdn Bhd

Group photo before a visit to the groundwater pumping station

A sandstone ridge provides a beautiful landscape view to Sandakan Town

This is a marking for borehole location where the groundwater is pumped out for human use

Large diameter production well equipped with submersible pump that can pump large quantity of groundwater

The measuring of pH and chloride was conducted immediately after sampling

Sandakan is famous for its sea food.  Bon appetit !!