Groundwater levels (2019-2021) and rainfall data (2020-2021) collected with a citizen science approach on the Indian Ocean island of Karainagar, Sri Lanka
https://doi.org/10.5285/bce114d8-8f3b-49e0-90c6-f0788c1e9a0d
Cite this dataset as:
Mahadeva, K.T.; Suren, S.; Mayuran, S.; Kirishnaraja, S.; Karthiga, I.; Rameshwaran, P.; Ketheesan, B.; Sriskandarajah, N. (2025). Groundwater levels (2019-2021) and rainfall data (2020-2021) collected with a citizen science approach on the Indian Ocean island of Karainagar, Sri Lanka. NERC EDS Environmental Information Data Centre. https://doi.org/10.5285/bce114d8-8f3b-49e0-90c6-f0788c1e9a0d
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This dataset is available under the terms of the Open Government Licence 
This dataset includes measurements of groundwater levels (2019–2021) and rainfall data (2020–2021), collected through citizen participation on the Indian Ocean island of Karainagar, Sri Lanka. Karainagar, the study area, is one of seven islands located off the coast of Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka. This rectangular island is bounded on three sides by the Palk Strait, while the fourth side faces the Jaffna Lagoon and is connected to the mainland by a causeway. Karainagar covers an area of approximately 22 km², including inland water bodies. Seven dug wells used for domestic purposes were inventoried and monitored to track groundwater levels. Rainfall data were collected from six locations, including two schools, three households, and one village government office (Grama Niladhari Office).
Publication date: 2025-06-27
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Format
Comma-separated values (CSV)
Spatial information
Study area
Spatial representation type
Tabular (text)
Spatial reference system
WGS 84
Temporal information
Temporal extent
2019-01-01 to 2021-12-31
Provenance & quality
A citizen science initiative engaged local well owners, trained volunteers, and schoolchildren in monitoring groundwater and measuring rainfall. Participants were taught to measure water levels using a tape specifically modified for groundwater monitoring, and to record rainfall using a Holman rain gauge. The dimensions of dug wells—including kerb height, diameter or width, and bottom elevation—were measured using a measuring tape. The locations of rain gauges, dug wells, and ground elevations relative to Mean Sea Level (MSL) were determined using a Global Positioning System (GPS) and land surveys. Daily rainfall time series data were obtained from the records of the Agrarian Services Centre (ASC) in Karainagar.
Licensing and constraints
This dataset is available under the terms of the Open Government Licence
Cite this dataset as:
Mahadeva, K.T.; Suren, S.; Mayuran, S.; Kirishnaraja, S.; Karthiga, I.; Rameshwaran, P.; Ketheesan, B.; Sriskandarajah, N. (2025). Groundwater levels (2019-2021) and rainfall data (2020-2021) collected with a citizen science approach on the Indian Ocean island of Karainagar, Sri Lanka. NERC EDS Environmental Information Data Centre. https://doi.org/10.5285/bce114d8-8f3b-49e0-90c6-f0788c1e9a0d
Related
Supplemental information
Karthiga, I., Rameshwaran, P., Ketheesan, B., & Sriskandarajah, N. (2023). Groundwater mapping and locally engaged water governance in a small island terrain: Case study of Karainagar island, Northern Sri Lanka. World Water Policy, 9(3), 456-480.
Karthiga, I., Rameshwaran, P., Ketheesan, B., & Sriskandarajah, N. (2022). Aquifer monitoring and community engagement in groundwater management for water security in northern Sri Lanka. 7th Annual Research Symposium, The International Water Conference 2022, 14-16 of December 2022. National Water Supply and Drainage Board, Sri Lanka, 256-263.
Correspondence/contact details
Authors
Mahadeva, K.T.
Citizen Science Volunteer, Karainagar, Sri Lanka
Suren, S.
Citizen Science Volunteer, Karainagar, Sri Lanka
Mayuran, S.
Citizen Science Volunteer, Karainagar, Sri Lanka
Kirishnaraja, S.
Citizen Science Volunteer, Karainagar, Sri Lanka
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0123-6934
Sriskandarajah, N.
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Other contacts
Rights holders
UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, University of Jaffna
Custodian
NERC EDS Environmental Information Data Centre
info@eidc.ac.uk
Publisher
NERC EDS Environmental Information Data Centre
info@eidc.ac.uk
Additional metadata
Keywords
Funding
Natural Environment Research Council Award: NE/X006247/1
World Bank Award: AHEAD-R2-DOR6
World Bank Award: AHEAD-R2-DOR6
Last updated
03 July 2025 11:46