Journeying into the forest with my beloved late grandfather to collect water from a pristine spring he discovered and accessed himself remains one of my most cherished childhood recollections. Back then, I didn’t ponder over its significance much. It was just a regular task to walk a distance into the woods to fetch drinking water for our household.
Being self-sufficient was simply our way of life.
Later on, I settled not far from my grandparents’ home, where I got a taste of the countryside challenge of bringing in water from the town. During this period, I took solace in the fact that the familiar spring was still nestled in the hills, waiting for us if needed.
Natural springs can serve as excellent backup sources of water. This piece offers advice on locating and accessing one, along with pointers to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
What exactly is a natural spring?
A natural spring isn’t just another stream but an emergence of groundwater. Authentic natural springs emanate from spontaneously moving groundwater. Their classification depends on factors like the type of rock present, water flow rate, reasons for formation, water temperature, and variations in seasonal flow.
How is a spring different from a seep?
People often mix up natural springs with seeps, also known as seepage springs. Like their counterparts, seeps too come from underground water sources. But, in contrast to a spring, seeps slowly leak out and cover a broader area. Pinpointing their exact source can be tricky. Their flow isn’t as defined as springs, and they are more prone to contamination.
This discussion is primarily about natural springs.
Identifying and Accessing a Natural Spring:
There are several techniques to detect and utilize a natural spring. Here’s a basic, cost-effective approach to discovering your water source when required:
- For optimal results, scout during dry periods. This will help distinguish between mere runoff and water from a deeper origin.
- Begin in areas of moderate altitude. Focus on regions where the ground varies in height, like the middle of a slope.
- Watch for moist patches or clear signs of erosion resembling a wet, naturally formed trench. Telltale signs include more gravel, rounded stones, and moss. Also, keep an eye out for water gathering in lower areas. Once you spot such conditions, trace the water uphill until it’s either too steep or too high for your liking.
- Delicately dig into the slope until you find a consistent water flow. Ensure you dig sufficiently deep to establish a clean channel for water.
- Insert a conduit, like a plastic pipe, deep into the water source. Use rocks or gravel around and beneath the conduit to prevent sediment intrusion and to stabilize it.
- Secure the conduit using stones and dirt, ensuring part of it is visible for easy access.
- Initially, the water might appear cloudy due to the disturbance, but a genuine spring will regain its clarity soon.
Is it feasible to use a spring for regular water needs?
Some aspire to connect a spring to their homes for daily water needs. While some springs can cater to this demand, more intricate extraction methods might be necessary. If the spring is close to your residence and there’s a strong gravitational pull, you might not need a pump.
As per Penn State Extension Service, if considering a spring for potable use, it should provide water all year round at a rate of at least two gallons per minute. However, actual consumption varies among households.
Is purification needed?
I’d advise against consuming water from a natural spring without proper purification. It’s also wise to routinely test it for any potential contaminants.
Should I harness a spring on my land?
Considering a spring’s development requires a thorough evaluation. Some aspects to ponder include:
- In case your primary water source gets compromised, do you have a backup? Remember, redundancy is key.
- How secure do you feel about your current water provisions? For instance, if using a well, do you have alternative power sources for the pump during outages?
- Consider the expenses and ensure you assess the ongoing maintenance costs.
- Be aware of legalities and water rights. Familiarize yourself with all governing rules and make sure you secure necessary permits.
- Weigh the pros and cons of other natural water sources.
- Decide on the purpose: a backup or a daily source? The year-round flow can help decide its viability.
The spring’s use isn’t just limited to water. Before contemporary refrigeration, people built structures over springs to exploit the cooling properties of flowing water, known as spring houses, providing a natural refrigerator while shielding the water from debris.
If the idea of living off-grid appeals to you or if you’re aiming for enhanced self-sufficiency, natural springs are an apt choice.
Do you employ a natural spring for your daily or emergency water needs?
