GIS-AHP-Based Mapping of Groundwater Potential Zones and Evaluation of Water Infrastructure Locations

Groundwater, an essential resource, is largely governed by subsurface hydrogeology. However, despite the importance of groundwater, its potential value has not been studied in Tagum City, Philippines. This study assessed the alignment of current groundwater wells with potential areas using a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methodology, integrated with Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The analysis indicates that 16.81% (3,063.78 ha) of the areas studied demonstrate extremely high potential, accommodating 19 wells, while 43.76% (7,973.66 ha) exhibit good potential with 33 wells. Moderate potential zones constitute 37.66% (6,863.8 ha), encompassing 46 wells, whereas only 1.77% (322.12 ha) is designated as poor, containing one well. Significantly, the high-potential regions contain comparatively fewer wells, suggesting an opportunity for strategic well positioning to enhance resource utilization. These findings establish an evidence-based framework for groundwater management, directing well development and promoting sustainable water resource planning in the studied areas.