Geologists Find Water Better Than Diviners

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 16, 30 April 1952, Page 7

Geologists Find Water Better Than Diviners

A zone of rock saturated with water is known to exist below the earth's surface at a depth which varies greatly in different places and at different times. This body of water is termed "ground water" and its upper limit the "water-table." Writings from ancient times show that the origin and movement of ground water puzzled learned men of their day. Many of the beliefs and superstitions which arose then still find support among some people today. Despite the great increase in recent times in the geologists knowledge of the earth's structure many people still rely on the "water diviner" to find the correct location for wells. Though scientists have been unable to refute the "magical influences" in the diviner's work, the Department of Agriculture points out that practieal tests carried out all over t'he world on the diviner's ability have in no way been favourable to the diviner. Results of tests carried out on 75 New Zealand diviners have been summarised as follows: "Of the 75 diviners tested, representative of all occupations and from all parts of New Zealand, not one showed the slightest accuracy in any branch of divination. That 90 per cent of the diviners are sincere does not lessen the harm they do." No detailed' or systematic survey of water-bearing formations has been carried out yet over large areas of New Zealand. However, with a knowledge of the geological struc"ture and after a study of existing wells in any area a geologist is able to forecast, with considerably more reliability than a diviner, the availability of ground water. The assistance of officers of the Ne^v Zealand Geological Survey (a branch of | the Department of Scientific and Indhstrial Research) is available free to farmers to help them solve their water-supply problems. Advantages of Ground Water.- — Ground water has very material advantages over rain water and surface water for farmers as well as for townspeople. Some of the principal advantages are detailed in &n article to appear in the March issue of "The New Zealand Joufnal of Agriculture." They are : — ' Ground water is generally far more dependable in long periods of drought than surface water. i Ground water is relatively pure and free from suspended matter and does not require chemical treat- > ment or filtration. " Ground water maintains an even temperature throughout the year, having a lower temperature than surface water in summer and a higher one in winter. This is an advantage of some importance to the dairy farmer and the housewife. Provided wells are properly situated and protected the danger of pollution or contamination is much less than with surface water. ) These factors as well as the fact * that wells can often be situated at the point where the water is most needed wit'hout an expensive prJ|gramme of pipe-laying give groundwater supply many advantages over other sources of water supply. With modern * advances in wellsinking equipment and techniques the Department of Agriculture considers it likely that ground water 5 may yet be utilised successfully in localities where it was not previously thought possible.