Voluminous geoscientific data related to various ground‐water parameters provide enormous scope for using the Geographic Information System (GIS) to draw meaningful conclusions on the ground‐water propsects of an area. To demonstrate the efficacy of the GIS for ground‐water studies, information on the parameters controlling ground water such as lithology, geomorphology, structure, and recharge condition of West Godavari district were analyzed using ARC/INFO GIS. Existing maps and records were used as data. An evaluation of ground‐water potential and generation of a map showing three major hydrogeological conditions with distinct ground‐water prospects which would serve as a basic tool in the exploitation of ground‐water resources of the district has resulted. The study has also revealed that the GIS techniques are time/cost‐effective and can be employed successfully in the planning stages of a ground‐water exploration programme. In addition, the GIS data generated for the study of ground‐water prospects can be updated and used for the planning and management of ground‐water resources of the district.