Abstract.

Introduction: In numerous hydrogeological studies, the value of local knowledge concerning groundwater sources and contamination is often underestimated in favor of strictly scientific data. This oversight can result in an incomplete understanding of groundwater systems. Local communities possess valuable insights into seasonal variations, contamination origins, and historical water usage patterns that are not fully captured by scientific measurements alone. This perspective article shows the gaps between both quantitative and qualitative approach and how we can mixed those approaches to improve hydrogeological mapping in Indonesia.

Methods: Scientific models are typically utilized to predict groundwater contamination risks based on parameters like land use and hydrological data. However, these models often fail to consider the community’s perception of these risks. For example, a community might perceive the threat of contamination from nearby industrial activities to be higher than what scientific models indicate. This discrepancy can lead to distrust in scientific findings and resistance to proposed management strategies.

Discussions: Hydrogeological mapping generally focuses on the physical availability of groundwater resources, often overlooking the specific needs and priorities of local communities. For instance, a hydrogeological study might determine that an area has adequate groundwater for agricultural purposes, yet may fail to recognize that the local community prioritizes drinking water access over agricultural use. This misalignment can lead to conflicts and inefficient resource allocation.