Water Siting In Zimbabwe Using Wires or Rods Fact or Fake?
Some call it “the gift.” Others refer to it as “dowsing,” “doodle bugging,” or “water witching”—the practice of locating water underground using a forked stick. Sounds simple, but does it work?
The History of Dowsing: According to history, divining the location of water dates back many millennia. In the Tassili Caves of northern Africa, an 8,000-year-old cave painting depicts a man holding a forked stick, apparently using it to search for water.
Although most would say that dowsing is nothing more than a myth, there are quite a few people today who believe in this practice.
The most popular dowsing tool, however, is the dowsing rod. It’s a simple tool – nothing more than a forked branch cut from a live tree. You can use virtually any kind of tree, but Y-shaped sticks from willows, witch hazel, and various fruit and nut trees seem to be the most popular.
Grab both ends of the Y in an underhanded grasp (so that the heels of your hands are facing towards the sky, as shown in the photo), and hold the dowsing rod horizontally so that it points in front of you. Keep your grasp somewhat loose and slowly walk around searching for water.
However, there is one study, conducted by the German government in the 1990s, that perplexed the scientific community. During this study’s 10-year research period, researchers paired up experienced geologists and dowsers, sending them to dry regions like Sri Lanka, Kenya, and Yemen. Scientists were surprised to find that many of the dowsers were spot-on. In Sri Lanka alone, drill teams drilled 691 wells under the supervision of dowsers and found water 96% of the time.
Now, sceptics would argue that the reason for this is simple: No matter where you drill, as long as you are willing to drill deep enough, you’re bound to find water eventually. However, in this particular study, the dowsers were also asked to tell their drill teams at what depth they would find the water and how much water they would find. The study’s findings showed that the dowsers’ predictions concerning depth and volume were accurate to within 10% to 20%.
No one knows why dowsing works—or if, indeed, it does work. Some researchers believe that humans can detect the presence of water by some trace amount of energy that it releases. Others believe that the talent is all in the dowsing rod. Still more say that this art is nothing more than a clever hoax.
Fortunately, no matter where you stand on the dowsing debate, this is one bit of ancient wisdom that you can easily put to the test!
We have a substantial presence and experience in Borehole Siting, Borehole Drilling, Borehole Installation, and Solar Systems.
Standard Prices For Borehole Drilling
Borehole Siting (Geo-Survey)
Drilling & Casing (40m)
Standard Class 6 Casing included.
Premium Casing Upgrade
Upgrade to Class 9 Casing for extra durability.
Borehole Deepening / Extra Metres
For drilling beyond 40 metres.
Double Casing
For unstable ground conditions.
Tank & Tank Stand
5000 Litre Tank with a 4-metre Stand.
Disclaimer & Contact Information
ProWater Solutions makes no representations or warranties express or implied in relation to this website or the information and materials provided on this website. ProWater Solutions shall not be responsible for, and disclaims all liability for loss, injury, expense or damage (whether direct or consequential) of any nature whatsoever which may be suffered as a result of or which may be attributable, directly or indirectly, to the use of or reliance upon any information, links or services provided through this website. ProWater Solutions reserves the right to in its absolute discretion to modify, upgrade, update, suspend or withdraw this website or any part thereof at any time.
Request ProWater Solutions Services
ProWater Solutions links you to the best borehole drilling service providers in Zimbabwe. Contact us for FREE advice on your project: