Kudat faces a major water shortage problem that will necessitate the development of all possible sources. Structural geological study is an effective tool in maximizing the exploration for water resources. The Kudat fault zone, a permeable zone which could facilitate the occurrence of groundwater should be evaluated for this purpose. The main objectives of this paper are 1) to evaluate the groundwater resources of Kudat area, and 2) to study the effects of geology on groundwater.

The Kudat Fault Zone is composed of several geologic structures in Kudat area, Northern Sabah. Geological studies indicate that the study area is controlled by fault systems. Movements along these structures strongly influence the morphology and groundwater conditions of the study area. Hydrogeologic studies show that groundwater is confined to Early Middle Miocene Kudat Formation, Quaternary alluvium and along the Fault Zone. In general, the Kudat Fault facilitates the occurrence and circulation of groundwater. These structures affect the continuity of aquifers as well as increase the permeability and storage capacity of the rock formations.