Locating Groundwater is a Science and an Art

Locating groundwater is a science and an art. It requires a basic knowledge of hydrogeology, as well as, observation and inquiry.

Groundwater generally follows the contours of the surface of the ground. We may be more successful locating groundwater if we drill a well at the bottom of a low point, such as a ravine, rather than at the top of a mountain.

Generally we want to look at the lower elevations of the surrounding topography, like in valleys, basins, or ravines, and also near rivers, streams, lakes, or ponds.

With these things in mind, here are some clues to look for and questions to ask in locating groundwater through observation and inquiry.

1. Where are people presently getting their water?

2. Hand dug wells found nearby will show the depth to groundwater and the type of sediment in the area.

3. Are there drilled wells in the area? Perhaps the village or responsible government agency has useful information on the well, such as its depth and the sediment or rock types encountered when the well was drilled.

4. Groundwater can often be found in sand or gravel layers in the bottom of a valley, even if those layers are covered by layers of silt or clay. Groundwater in valleys or low-lying areas is often closer to the surface than in steep or relatively high areas.

5. Are there springs in the area? Groundwater can usually be found nearby. If a spring flows all year, it is likely to come from a productive aquifer. If the spring dries up, then it might be overflow from a perched aquifer, but still worth exploring.

6. Are there streams in the area? Carefully observe stream flow, looking for sections where flow is greater and sections where flow is less. Where it is greater, groundwater may be discharging into the stream, indicating a good area to drill. Even dry stream beds often have shallow groundwater underneath.

7. Trees or shrubs that remain green in the dry season may have roots that reach into the groundwater at a relatively shallow depth. Greener patches of grass may reveal places where groundwater is close to the surface.

8. Pay attention to where animals go to find water. Bees and pigs are very good at finding water.

9. Look for deposits of salt or other minerals – usually visible as a white “crust” on the surface of the ground. These may be caused by the evaporation of groundwater, which leaves the minerals behind. A large surface deposit might indicate that the ground water has a very high mineral content.

10. Look for “outcrops” of tilted layers of rock on hills or ridges; groundwater will flow downhill along the direction of tilt.

11. Some rock layers, like sandstone or limestone, have many cracks. These may produce acceptable quantities of water.

12. Examine any outcrops of marble or limestone that are being used for building materials. Some can be good aquifers. But remember that not all drilling techniques can penetrate rock.

Geophysical Methods of Locating Groundwater

Geophysical methods of locating groundwater are technological ways of determining conditions below the ground surface without actually drilling a hole.

These techniques are most commonly used when exploring for and locating groundwater in hard crystalline rock areas, but they can also be used to assist in areas of unconsolidated sediments.

Each of these geophysical techniques measures a specific physical property of the rock or sediment such as the earth’s electrical resistance, electrical conductance, density, and magnetic properties. Changes in these properties can be related to changes in the type of sediment or rock, potential for aquifers, and in some cases groundwater quality.

However, each of these geophysical methods has limitations. These techniques cannot, by themselves, determine the presence and location of an aquifer. Data developed by geophysical methods must be compared with nearby known geology to be accurately interpreted.

We can provide a trustful device to locating groundwater

PQWT-TC series  automatic mapping water detector is based on the Earth's electromagnetic field as the field source, based on the difference in the conductivity of different underground geological structures, and by studying the variation law of the electric field components at different frequencies to study the geological structure and changes, to find groundwater resources by scientific method. Changes in geological structure are displayed in real-time through multiple curves. Automatic form mapping geological profile by one key operate easily, get rid of complicated computer graphics. The site can quickly understand the geological structure through the automatic mapping curve and profile, and analyze specific information such as aquifers, fractures, faults, and caves. The instrument is widely used in the rapid analysis of geological structure changes in different terrains such as plains, hills, mountains, plateaus, and basins to determine well locations, aquifers, and aquifer depth.

For more information, please contact PQWT Team.

www.pqwtdetector.com

Email:  info@pqwtcs.com
Tel:  + 86 731 82237112