Top 10 Simple Steps to Finding a Natural Spring
What is Natural Spring Water?
Springs emerge from spontaneous conditions developing within the Earth that encourages upward water flow from aquifers through rock formations. Spring water is sometimes called "mineral" water because of the geologic minerals absorbed by water molecules as they move through subterranean rocks.
These minerals give spring water that unique, invigorating flavor not found in treated water. Spring water is also uncontaminated water, meaning it has not been subjected to fluoridation, coagulation, filtration and storage.
10 Steps to Finding a Natural Spring
- Be on the lookout for areas of lush vegetation growth, especially in low-lying or valley-like areas. Trees, wildflowers and shrubbery will thrive near and above a natural spring, producing a distinct "oasis" among otherwise normal plant growth.
- Follow a small water stream to its source. Natural springs often seep upwards due to underground rock formations and form negligible water flows that may be missed by someone who isn't deliberately searching for spring water.
- Try the ancient practice of dowsing for spring water by shaping an everyday wire coat hanger into a dowsing "rod" and using this rod to find underground water sources.
- Nurture a potential spring water area by thoroughly clearing away all debris to keep water as clean and pure as possible. Try to clear a patch of earth at least three feet in diameter.
- Find out whether spring water is available by digging around the spot until the area is bowl-shaped and capable of holding water. This "bowl" allows spring water to pool while forcing sediment to settle at the bottom of the bowl.
- According to the U.S. Geological Survey website, you may discover a natural spring by obtaining information about wells operating in your area. Since working wells are routinely tested for water flowing through an aquifer, knowing where wells exist may help you find your own natural spring.
- Look for animal footprints or signs of wildlife activity (grass burrows, crayfish mud holes, animal feces). Following animal tracks may take you to a natural spring water source only our furry (or scaly) friends would know about!
- Finding an area in a creek or streamlet that is unfrozen may indicate spring water is flowing into that creek. Spring water remains the same relative temperature regardless of the season.
- Your own backyard may harbor a natural spring. Is there an area where the grass grows longer and greener than the rest of the grass? Does this spot tend to stay wetter and softer longer after it rains? Start clearing and digging--you might be enjoying the wonderful taste of spring water very soon.
- Finally, if you're not sure of your spring water-finding skills, hire a professional water dowser to find a spring for you.
What Does Natural Spring Water Provide?
Why should we care about taking the time to find a natural spring?
- Spring water contains minerals beneficial to your health, like magnesium, calcium and lithium.
- Spring water also provides sulfur, another mineral that exerts therapeutic effects on some skin conditions and joint stability.
- Pure spring water helps flush toxins from your body.
- Its crisp, clean, refreshingly natural taste will have you swearing off tap water for the rest of your life.
If you are a tad on the lazy side of the aisle, and you want Internet help in finding a natural spring, try these sites ...
- Find A Spring - FindaSpring.com is a community and user created database of natural springs around the world.
- Natural Springs UK - Natural Springs UK was started by a small group of friends and their love for nature. It is a great resource that speaks to the love of spring water and nature with a great mapping tool for finding natural spring water in the UK.
Finally, spring water is free, it's natural and it's a gift from nature meant to be used and shared by Earth's residents. Happy spring hunting!