Water Witching: A Brief History – American Water Surveyors

Water Witching: A Brief History
Water Witching: A Brief History
Water witching, or dowsing, is the process of locating underground water (as well as other objects and materials), using a rod, stick, or an object hung from a string. These apparatuses are called dowsing rods or dowsing sticks, divining rods, and pendulums. The practice of water witching involves walking the surface of a property while holding the rod, stick or object that will supposedly react when near underground water. People involved in the practice of water witching or dowsing believed (or believe, for those who still are convinced that this process is successful in locating water resources) that forces would surround underground water locations and produce some sort of response in their apparatus. This response would usually cause the rods to point toward the ground or cross one another, or in the case of a pendulum, to sway or move from its vertical location. Water witching is said to have been a common practice since the early 1500s, originating in Germany and derived from ideas about magic. Water witches have been quite popular for centuries, with some oil and other companies actually hiring these individuals to help them locate water and oil. Although the water witch has been taken over by technological processes, there are still some individuals who continue to use the practice. Many people believed that water witching worked because the dowsing rod, in fact, was moving. Studies conducted have shown a link between the subconscious mind-muscle activity and the movement of the apparatus used during witching. Because the subconscious mind knows what it is looking for, when that resource is found, or the person thinks it has been found, the mind can make the muscles move in what seems like an involuntary manner. These are called ideomotor movements. While some people may still believe in the practice of water witching, there is no scientific proof that it can be successfully used to find water and other resources. Instead of using “magic” twigs and other instruments to locate water, sound and tested technology is now used.
There are different approaches to finding underground water, but one successful method is the use of advanced seismoelectric survey instruments. This allows water to be detected underground, and can also reveal its depth and yield. This can save hundreds and even thousands of dollars for those looking to have wells drilled, as you will be able to know exactly where the water is before you drill. If you’re looking for a company that utilizes the practice of seismoelectric surveying, American Water Surveyors is an excellent company with extensive experience using the state-of-the art surveying technology. We work to provide clients with the placement, depth and yield of underground water for well drilling purposes. We have conducted surveys in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Illinois, Nebraska, and many more areas in the United States.
Don’t rely on water witching. Rely on proven water finding technology. Contact us today to learn where the groundwater is on your property.