This study was conducted to estimate groundwater demand and supply for agricultural activities in a frequent-drought area that requires implementation of optimal distribution plan utilizing the well-network system (WNS). The WNS has been considered as a viable strategic way of supplying groundwater to farmlands by connecting groundwater wells physically or virtually. The study area heavily relied on groundwater resources for irrigation up to 53% due to a lack of surface water resources. Two kinds of methods, HOMWRS software and FAO approach, were used for estimating irrigation water requirements for paddy and upland fields, respectively. During the latest 10 years (2010~2019), the water requirements was estimated to be 1,106 m³/day. The requirements notably increased to 1,121~4,004 m³/day during active farming season (May to September), which exceeded the total yield capacity of pre-existing groundwater wells (2,356 m³/day) in the area. Detailed and definite determination for groundwater demand and supply helped to determine optimal scale parameters of WNS. The WNS has achieved more balanced distribution of groundwater resources for irrigation over the study area.

Keywords: Well-network system, Groundwater, Irrigation water requirement, Optimal distribution