How to Detect Groundwater for a Well

The person responsible for locating shallow groundwater appropriate for ground wells is a hydrologist. A hydrologist uses several methods, such as inspecting geological markers and inspecting surrounding wells, to determine if an area has a sufficient amount of usable water. Even if you are not a hydrologist, you can use the same techniques to get an idea if the area you are looking at would have suitable groundwater for drilling a well.

Instructions

1. Look at the land you are surveying as it relates to the terrain around it. Land that is in a valley is more apt to have groundwater than land that is high on a hillside. Low-lying areas with water-loving plants such as willows and lilies tend to have groundwater very close by. Water drains downhill, so it is logical that mountainous regions would hold water in their valleys.

2. Inspect large rock formations in the area. Large rocks tend to go deep into the ground. Sedimentary rocks are permeable and carry water into the ground through osmosis. Other rocks have large cracks and crevices that carry water underground. Geology is an important factor in finding groundwater.

3. Investigate wells in the immediate area. Water tends to run in rivers under the ground. How deep the wells are and how much water they regularly pump provides an idea of the type of water you will find in the ground you are surveying. Also, knowing what rocks the wells in your area go through can tell you if they are likely carrying water into the ground.

References

• United States Geological Survey: How Do Hydrologists Locate Groundwater; 2010