Super Simple Steps to Identify a Natural Water Spring

by Andrew Ciccone April 24, 2018

There is simply nothing better than fresh, clean, natural spring water. Spring water bubbles to the surface naturally from groundwater pressure below the surface. Natural spring can be found along a hillside, the base of a hill or in low-lying areas.

Follow these seven steps to look for and develop your own natural spring.

When To Search
The best time to find a natural spring is during a long dry spell. Spring water flow will fluctuate with the seasons. Flow is typically the lowest during the late summer and fall and higher in the spring.

Seek Out Dense Vegetative Growth to Guide You
Soggy spots where ferns, reeds and jewelweeds are good indicators of where a natural springs run.

Hillside Search
The middle or base of a hill where highly dense green plant and soft soggy spots are typically good sources of where a spring runs.

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Follow The Spring Spots Uphill
Once you have located a green spongy soft spot on the side of a hill, start walking upwards, and look for:

damp, wet areas
areas with erosion
a ditch-like area
an increase in gravel, rocks, moss
Then start digging, soon you’ll find the spring.

Dig Deep to Find the Source
Start digging deep, shovel until you reach a steady flow of water. You’ll want to dig out enough soil and rocks to create a clean area to place a channeling source.

As soon as you get a steady water flow, quit digging. A nice flow is all that is needed, a rapid run of water makes channeling the water problematic.

Test Thoroughly
Super important: Never drink the new spring water or put too much work into fully capping and covering a spring, until the water has been tested. Spring waters are highly susceptible to contamination, especially in polluted areas so “unspoiled” land at a higher altitude than the surroundings is likely to be better.

There are many inexpensive water testing kits available – try the Watersafe All-In-One Water Test Kit. If the water is not suitable for drinking it may still be good for gardening, bathing and livestock.

A general mineral analysis will provide a list of the common minerals. Important items to test for include:

pH
Hardness (calcium carbonate)
Iron
Manganese
Total dissolved solids

If water is discolored, or has a strong odor, you may also want to test for:

Cap the Spring
Using a non-toxic plastic pipe. Put one end as deep into the water source as possible. Secure the pipe by partially covering it with rocks or gravel to prevent contamination. Secure a screen to filter to stop dirt and gravel from getting into your spring and clogging up your water source.

Leave enough plastic pipe exposed for easy access. Cover the plastic pipe with rock and soil to hold it in place.

You also want to partially cover your spring to deter animals from digging into it. Some people put a box or well-like covering over the end of the spring pipe to completely protect it.

Now, get out there and hunt down a natural spring source! Happy Water Hunting!

Andrew Ciccone

Author

Andrew Ciccone, VP Branding & Media Strategy - Andrew's long strange marketing trip began after graduating from Syracuse University with a BS in Marketing. Andrew then developed his marketing prowess when he moved to Madison Avenue big boys Young & Rubicam, Backer Spielvogel, and Grey Advertising. He went on to get a Masters in Corporate Communications from Baruch College, then went on to start his own agency in 2011 - Hudson Valley Public Relations. Andrew has earned a reputation for creative, smart, innovative campaigns that get results. Andrew's spare time is devoted to sailing regattas, family fun and film. To date he has penned four screenplays.