How to Find Water on Your Land

Ground water is a valuable resource.

Whether you're interested in finding water on your land for irrigation purposes, for your livestock or for domestic use, groundwater in a region of sufficient rainfall and favorable geological features should be saturated with water. Even though we may not realize it, groundwater is one of our most valuable resources. Depending on your reason for locating water on your land, it is important to understand the procedure for performing this activity, including studying the water found for both natural or human-induced contaminants.

A popular procedure for locating water known as 'water dowsing', or water-witching, has been used for hundreds of years. However, a more scientific and reliable way of locating water, explained in the steps below, requires research and more thorough work, resulting in more accurate results. Whether you are assisted by a hydrologist or you alone perform the duties of one, you will experience the responsibilities finding water on land requires. The following steps should guide you through this endeavor.

Things You'll Need

• Geophysical map of the area
• Guide to local plants
• Location of local water wells
• Location of local hydrology office

Instructions

1. Determine what your needs for finding water on your land are. Knowing what you need water for will determine the quantity and quality of the water you look for.

2. Familiarize yourself with the land you want to locate water on. Ground water under valleys contain more saturated water than land under hills, and land near geological features such as lakes contain more reliable saturated water as well, for example. Look for plants such as willows and cottonwoods, which are good indicators of water availability, if you are locating water on arid land.

3. Perform the work a hydrologist would to determine ground water quantity: locate water wells surrounding the area you are interested in finding water on to measure the water levels. Monitor water levels in surrounding wells. If water levels are sufficient and recharge of water, or resupply of water through precipitation, are constant then this indicates that surrounding areas, including yours, will be equally productive.

4. Analyze the description and location of geological formations, such as rocks, as they can indicate the the ground water's depth, thickness and nature. Create a geologic map of the positions and types of both surface and underground rocks in the area. Understanding the type and pore forms of rocks can indicate the amounts of ground water.

5. Visit your local government agency in charge of compiling hydrological data. Understand that the rate of recharge is different for all areas. Study pre-conducted research by hydrologists about yearly recharge in your area, data they collect by studying geological features, specially rocks which determine the speed of water-flow.

Tips & Warnings

• Land near geographical features such as lakes and swamps does not necessarily mean ground water is abundant and of good quality. Locate neighboring wells deep water levels; this indicates lower chances of polluted water in your area.

• The ground filters out matter such as leaves and dissolves chemicals and other substances, however always test your water for quality.

References

• US Department of the Interior
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Well Owner