The resistivity method has been used to image the electrical properties of the subsurface. Especially, this method has become suitable for monitoring since data could be rapidly and automatically acquired. In this study, we developed a time-lapse inversion algorithm for the interpretation of resistivity monitoring data. The developed inversion algorithm imposes a big penalty on the model parameter with small change, while a minimal penalty on the model parameter with large change compared to the reference model. Through the numerical experiments, we can ensure that the time-lapse inversion result shows more accurate and focused image where model parameters have changed. Also, applying the timelapse inversion method to the leakage detection of an embankment dam, we can confirm that there are three major leakage zones, but they have not changed over time.