Abstract
The study investigates the spatial and temporal variation of groundwater table within municipal precincts of Rawalpindi metropolitan city. The research was based on current and historic withdrawals as a primary source of drinking water supply. A geodatabase of 278 tube wells with three distinct timelines of recorded subsurface water levels was developed. Vertical sections were extracted from the interpolated surfaces and reconciled to a common x, y reference to isolate spatial and temporal trend of water table. Over exploitation of groundwater is leading to progressive depletion of the groundwater resource. The decline in groundwater level was observed to be steep in areas farthest from the potential recharge zones, a phenomenon that is also coincident with the density of the installed wells. Gradual cessation of pumpage within the metropolitan area and artificial means of replenishing the groundwater aquifer are recommended.