Dowsing - Revision history

Editor at 17:41, 13 September 2021

2021-09-13T17:41:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:41, 13 September 2021
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	* Groundwater.		* Groundwater.
	* Hydrogeology.		* Hydrogeology.
		+	* Ley lines.
	* Mine.		* Mine.
	* Ofwat.		* Ofwat.

Editor at 12:40, 13 September 2021

2021-09-13T12:40:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:40, 13 September 2021
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	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

		+	* Engineering hoaxes.
	* Excavation.		* Excavation.
	* Groundwater.		* Groundwater.

Editor at 08:40, 10 August 2021

2021-08-10T08:40:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:40, 10 August 2021
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	After being recommended by one of his neighbours, the technique was deployed by Clarkson, who admitted to being sceptical at first. He fashioned two coat hangers into dowsing tools and went on his quest to find the network of old water pipes.		After being recommended by one of his neighbours, the technique was deployed by Clarkson, who admitted to being sceptical at first. He fashioned two coat hangers into dowsing tools and went on his quest to find the network of old water pipes.
		+
		+	--[[User:Heidi_Schwartz\|Heidi Schwartz]]

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

Editor at 08:37, 10 August 2021

2021-08-10T08:37:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:37, 10 August 2021
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	= Continued use in the UK =		= Continued use in the UK =

−	In 2017, it was [https://sallylepage.medium.com/in-2017-uk-water-companies-still-rely-on-magic-6eb62e036b02 reported] that the majority of UK regional water and sewer companies (10 out of 12) occasionally deployed technicians who used dowsing rods for specific purposes. This practice was sometimes used to find underwater pipes, locate water mains or detect ~~pipework and~~ voids that may be caused by bursts or collapses.	+	In 2017, it was [https://sallylepage.medium.com/in-2017-uk-water-companies-still-rely-on-magic-6eb62e036b02 reported] that the majority of UK regional water and sewer companies (10 out of 12) occasionally deployed technicians who used dowsing rods for specific purposes. This practice was sometimes used to find underwater pipes, locate water mains or detect voids that may be caused by bursts or collapses.

	While many of the companies later repositioned their actions, these findings were [https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/nov/21/uk-water-firms-admit-using-divining-rods-to-find-leaks-and-pipes reported to Ofwat]. The regulator threatened financial penalties to any firms that failed to halt the activity.		While many of the companies later repositioned their actions, these findings were [https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/nov/21/uk-water-firms-admit-using-divining-rods-to-find-leaks-and-pipes reported to Ofwat]. The regulator threatened financial penalties to any firms that failed to halt the activity.

Editor at 08:22, 10 August 2021

2021-08-10T08:22:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:22, 10 August 2021
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	= How it works =		= How it works =

−	While dowsing has been dismissed as a hoax, the dowsers have sometimes been successful in their efforts to find water. The [https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/water_dowsing/pdf/water_dowsing.pdf US Department of the Interior/Geological Survey] says, ‘The natural explanation of "successful" water dowsing is that in many areas water would be hard to miss. The dowser commonly implies that the spot indicated by the rod is the only one where water could be found, but this is not necessarily true. In a region of adequate rainfall and ~~favorable~~ geology, it is difficult not to drill and find water!’	+	While dowsing has been dismissed as a hoax, the dowsers have sometimes been successful in their efforts to find water. The [https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/water_dowsing/pdf/water_dowsing.pdf US Department of the Interior/Geological Survey] says, ‘The natural explanation of "successful" water dowsing is that in many areas water would be hard to miss. The dowser commonly implies that the spot indicated by the rod is the only one where water could be found, but this is not necessarily true. In a region of adequate rainfall and favourable geology, it is difficult not to drill and find water!’

	While there is no scientific explanation for the supposed connection between the actions of the dowser and the location of water, psychological connections have been proposed. In the 19th century, dowsing was considered a form of cryptesthesia (a type of telepathy or clairvoyance) which allowed the dowser to produce an unconscious reaction during the search.		While there is no scientific explanation for the supposed connection between the actions of the dowser and the location of water, psychological connections have been proposed. In the 19th century, dowsing was considered a form of cryptesthesia (a type of telepathy or clairvoyance) which allowed the dowser to produce an unconscious reaction during the search.
Line 48:		Line 48:
	This technique has been deemed a pseudoscience and has been discredited by most official scientific organisations. However, it is still used as a method of finding water in the UK by some farmers and water engineers. Thousands of water dowsers continue to practice in the US.		This technique has been deemed a pseudoscience and has been discredited by most official scientific organisations. However, it is still used as a method of finding water in the UK by some farmers and water engineers. Thousands of water dowsers continue to practice in the US.

−	The [https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/water_dowsing/pdf/water_dowsing.pdf US Department of the Interior/Geological ~~Surve~~]y explains that ‘Water dowsers practice mainly in rural or suburban communities where residents are uncertain as to how to locate the best and cheapest supply of groundwater. Because the drilling and development of a well often costs more than a thousand dollars, homeowners are understandably reluctant to gamble on a dry hole and turn to the water dowser for advice’.	+	The [https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/water_dowsing/pdf/water_dowsing.pdf US Department of the Interior/Geological Survey] explains that ‘Water dowsers practice mainly in rural or suburban communities where residents are uncertain as to how to locate the best and cheapest supply of groundwater. Because the drilling and development of a well often costs more than a thousand dollars, homeowners are understandably reluctant to gamble on a dry hole and turn to the water dowser for advice’.

	= Continued use in the UK =		= Continued use in the UK =
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	Still, the practice continues to have its supporters. As recently as June 2020, television personality Jeremy Clarkson apparently used the method to locate Victorian era pipes on his land during his programme, Clarkson’s Farm.		Still, the practice continues to have its supporters. As recently as June 2020, television personality Jeremy Clarkson apparently used the method to locate Victorian era pipes on his land during his programme, Clarkson’s Farm.

−	After being recommended by one of his neighbours, the technique was deployed by Clarkson, who admitted to being ~~skeptical~~ at first. He fashioned two coat hangers into dowsing tools and went on his quest to find the network of old water pipes.	+	After being recommended by one of his neighbours, the technique was deployed by Clarkson, who admitted to being sceptical at first. He fashioned two coat hangers into dowsing tools and went on his quest to find the network of old water pipes.

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

Designing Buildings at 06:58, 10 August 2021

2021-08-10T06:58:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:58, 10 August 2021
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	While many of the companies later repositioned their actions, these findings were [https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/nov/21/uk-water-firms-admit-using-divining-rods-to-find-leaks-and-pipes reported to Ofwat]. The regulator threatened financial penalties to any firms that failed to halt the activity.		While many of the companies later repositioned their actions, these findings were [https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/nov/21/uk-water-firms-admit-using-divining-rods-to-find-leaks-and-pipes reported to Ofwat]. The regulator threatened financial penalties to any firms that failed to halt the activity.

−	Still, the practice continues to have its supporters. As recently as June 2020, television personality Jeremy Clarkson used the method to locate Victorian era pipes on his land during his programme, Clarkson’s Farm.	+	Still, the practice continues to have its supporters. As recently as June 2020, television personality Jeremy Clarkson apparently used the method to locate Victorian era pipes on his land during his programme, Clarkson’s Farm.

−	After being recommended by one of his neighbours, the technique was deployed by Clarkson, who admitted to being skeptical at first. He fashioned two coat hangers into dowsing tools and went on his quest to find the network of old water pipes~~. He claims the metal rods reacted dramatically and he proceeded to dig. Clarkson was surprised to find a pipe below where the coat hangers had crossed~~.	+	After being recommended by one of his neighbours, the technique was deployed by Clarkson, who admitted to being skeptical at first. He fashioned two coat hangers into dowsing tools and went on his quest to find the network of old water pipes.

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

86.179.200.61 at 06:55, 10 August 2021

2021-08-10T06:55:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:55, 10 August 2021
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	[[File:DowsingRod.jpg\|link=File:DowsingRod.jpg]]		[[File:DowsingRod.jpg\|link=File:DowsingRod.jpg]]

−	Many water witches used a forked stick to search for groundwater because they believed that these were ~~simply~~ channels for their power. This example of a hazel dowsing rod from early 20th century England is part of the Horniman Museum collection.	+	Many water witches used a forked stick to search for groundwater because they believed that these were channels for their power. This example of a hazel dowsing rod from early 20th century England is part of the Horniman Museum collection.
	\|}		\|}

	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

−	Dowsing (also known as divining or doodlebugging) is a method of locating water, minerals, metals, petroleum, gravesites, lost items or other substances buried underground. When used to detect undiscovered water resources, it is also referred to as water divining, water dowsing, water finding or water witching. Those people who practice water dowsing are sometimes called dowsers, diviners or water witches.	+	Dowsing (also known as divining or doodlebugging) is a method believed by some to be a way of locating water, minerals, metals, petroleum, gravesites, lost items or other substances buried underground. When used to detect undiscovered water resources, it is also referred to as water divining, water dowsing, water finding or water witching. Those people who practice water dowsing are sometimes called dowsers, diviners or water witches.

	= History =		= History =

−	Dowsing has been used for thousands of years. There are African cave paintings ~~over~~ 6,000 to 8,000 years old that are thought to illustrate the act of water dowsing. However, the earliest acknowledged evidence of dowsing did not appear until the 16th century, where it was associated with the mining of metals in Germany.	+	Dowsing has been used for thousands of years. There are African cave paintings 6,000 to 8,000 years old that are thought to illustrate the act of water dowsing. However, the earliest acknowledged evidence of dowsing did not appear until the 16th century, where it was associated with the mining of metals in Germany.

	This technique was imported into England by German miners who were recruited to work in different parts of the country. Dowsing was used to find tin, silver, zinc, lead and other valuable materials. The first recorded evidence of its use for locating water also occurred in the 16th century.		This technique was imported into England by German miners who were recruited to work in different parts of the country. Dowsing was used to find tin, silver, zinc, lead and other valuable materials. The first recorded evidence of its use for locating water also occurred in the 16th century.
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	== L-rods ==		== L-rods ==

−	Most commonly made from metal (such as copper), L-rods can be made from materials such as wire coat hangers or ~~wire utility flags~~. L-rods can also be made from glass or plastic.	+	Most commonly made from metal (such as copper), L-rods can be made from materials such as wire coat hangers or electrical cables. L-rods can also be made from glass or plastic.

−	To use the devices, the dowser holds one rod in each hand with the L portion pointing up and the long portion pointing forward. As the dowser walks, the rods are supposed to cross over ~~each other (or point in opposite directions)~~ to indicate the presence of whatever material is being sought.	+	To use the devices, the dowser holds one rod in each hand with the L portion pointing up and the long portion pointing forward. As the dowser walks, the rods are supposed to cross over to indicate the presence of whatever material is being sought.

	= How it works =		= How it works =
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	While dowsing has been dismissed as a hoax, the dowsers have sometimes been successful in their efforts to find water. The [https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/water_dowsing/pdf/water_dowsing.pdf US Department of the Interior/Geological Survey] says, ‘The natural explanation of "successful" water dowsing is that in many areas water would be hard to miss. The dowser commonly implies that the spot indicated by the rod is the only one where water could be found, but this is not necessarily true. In a region of adequate rainfall and favorable geology, it is difficult not to drill and find water!’		While dowsing has been dismissed as a hoax, the dowsers have sometimes been successful in their efforts to find water. The [https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/water_dowsing/pdf/water_dowsing.pdf US Department of the Interior/Geological Survey] says, ‘The natural explanation of "successful" water dowsing is that in many areas water would be hard to miss. The dowser commonly implies that the spot indicated by the rod is the only one where water could be found, but this is not necessarily true. In a region of adequate rainfall and favorable geology, it is difficult not to drill and find water!’

−	While there is no scientific explanation for the connection between the actions of the dowser and the location of water, psychological connections have been proposed. In the 19th century, dowsing was considered a form of cryptesthesia (a type of telepathy or clairvoyance) which allowed the dowser to produce an unconscious reaction during the search.	+	While there is no scientific explanation for the supposed connection between the actions of the dowser and the location of water, psychological connections have been proposed. In the 19th century, dowsing was considered a form of cryptesthesia (a type of telepathy or clairvoyance) which allowed the dowser to produce an unconscious reaction during the search.

	Modern theories have associated dowser reactions with other types of unconscious motions sometimes referred to as the ideomotor phenomenon (or ideomotor movements). They are also linked to an electromagnetic effect that occurs when a person’s muscles respond to the presence of the material being sought (although the reaction takes place in a location where there is a high likelihood of the substance being found); the dowsing tool amplifies this response in an action referred to as confirmation bias. In other words, an action occurs primarily because the dowser genuinely wants the tool to work.		Modern theories have associated dowser reactions with other types of unconscious motions sometimes referred to as the ideomotor phenomenon (or ideomotor movements). They are also linked to an electromagnetic effect that occurs when a person’s muscles respond to the presence of the material being sought (although the reaction takes place in a location where there is a high likelihood of the substance being found); the dowsing tool amplifies this response in an action referred to as confirmation bias. In other words, an action occurs primarily because the dowser genuinely wants the tool to work.

Editor at 18:26, 9 August 2021

2021-08-09T18:26:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:26, 9 August 2021
Line 36:		Line 36:
	= How it works =		= How it works =

−	While dowsing has been dismissed as a hoax, the dowsers have sometimes been successful in their efforts to find water. The US Department of the Interior/Geological Survey says, ‘The natural explanation of "successful" water dowsing is that in many areas water would be hard to miss. The dowser commonly implies that the spot indicated by the rod is the only one where water could be found, but this is not necessarily true. In a region of adequate rainfall and favorable geology, it is difficult not to drill and find water!’	+	While dowsing has been dismissed as a hoax, the dowsers have sometimes been successful in their efforts to find water. The [https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/water_dowsing/pdf/water_dowsing.pdf US Department of the Interior/Geological Survey] says, ‘The natural explanation of "successful" water dowsing is that in many areas water would be hard to miss. The dowser commonly implies that the spot indicated by the rod is the only one where water could be found, but this is not necessarily true. In a region of adequate rainfall and favorable geology, it is difficult not to drill and find water!’

	While there is no scientific explanation for the connection between the actions of the dowser and the location of water, psychological connections have been proposed. In the 19th century, dowsing was considered a form of cryptesthesia (a type of telepathy or clairvoyance) which allowed the dowser to produce an unconscious reaction during the search.		While there is no scientific explanation for the connection between the actions of the dowser and the location of water, psychological connections have been proposed. In the 19th century, dowsing was considered a form of cryptesthesia (a type of telepathy or clairvoyance) which allowed the dowser to produce an unconscious reaction during the search.
Line 48:		Line 48:
	This technique has been deemed a pseudoscience and has been discredited by most official scientific organisations. However, it is still used as a method of finding water in the UK by some farmers and water engineers. Thousands of water dowsers continue to practice in the US.		This technique has been deemed a pseudoscience and has been discredited by most official scientific organisations. However, it is still used as a method of finding water in the UK by some farmers and water engineers. Thousands of water dowsers continue to practice in the US.

−	The US Department of the Interior/Geological ~~Survey~~ explains that ‘Water dowsers practice mainly in rural or suburban communities where residents are uncertain as to how to locate the best and cheapest supply of groundwater. Because the drilling and development of a well often costs more than a thousand dollars, homeowners are understandably reluctant to gamble on a dry hole and turn to the water dowser for advice’.	+	The [https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/water_dowsing/pdf/water_dowsing.pdf US Department of the Interior/Geological Surve]y explains that ‘Water dowsers practice mainly in rural or suburban communities where residents are uncertain as to how to locate the best and cheapest supply of groundwater. Because the drilling and development of a well often costs more than a thousand dollars, homeowners are understandably reluctant to gamble on a dry hole and turn to the water dowser for advice’.

	= Continued use in the UK =		= Continued use in the UK =

−	In 2017, it was reported that the majority of UK regional water and sewer companies (10 out of 12) occasionally deployed technicians who used dowsing rods for specific purposes. This practice was sometimes used to find underwater pipes, locate water mains or detect pipework and voids that may be caused by bursts or collapses.	+	In 2017, it was [https://sallylepage.medium.com/in-2017-uk-water-companies-still-rely-on-magic-6eb62e036b02 reported] that the majority of UK regional water and sewer companies (10 out of 12) occasionally deployed technicians who used dowsing rods for specific purposes. This practice was sometimes used to find underwater pipes, locate water mains or detect pipework and voids that may be caused by bursts or collapses.

−	While many of the companies later repositioned their actions, these findings were reported to Ofwat. The regulator threatened financial penalties to any firms that failed to halt the activity.	+	While many of the companies later repositioned their actions, these findings were [https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/nov/21/uk-water-firms-admit-using-divining-rods-to-find-leaks-and-pipes reported to Ofwat]. The regulator threatened financial penalties to any firms that failed to halt the activity.

−	Still, the practice continues to have its supporters. As recently as June 2020, television personality Jeremy Clarkson used the method to locate ~~Victoria~~ era pipes during his programme, Clarkson’s Farm.	+	Still, the practice continues to have its supporters. As recently as June 2020, television personality Jeremy Clarkson used the method to locate Victorian era pipes on his land during his programme, Clarkson’s Farm.

−	After being recommended by one of his neighbours, the technique was deployed by Clarkson, who admitted to being skeptical. He fashioned two coat hangers into dowsing tools and went on his quest to find a network of water pipes. He claims the metal rods reacted~~, so~~ he proceeded to dig ~~and~~ was surprised to find a pipe where the hangers crossed.	+	After being recommended by one of his neighbours, the technique was deployed by Clarkson, who admitted to being skeptical at first. He fashioned two coat hangers into dowsing tools and went on his quest to find the network of old water pipes. He claims the metal rods reacted dramatically and he proceeded to dig. Clarkson was surprised to find a pipe below where the coat hangers had crossed.

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

Editor at 18:19, 9 August 2021

2021-08-09T18:19:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:19, 9 August 2021
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	== L-rods ==		== L-rods ==

−	Most commonly made from metal (such as copper), L-rods can be made from ~~things~~ such as wire coat hangers or wire utility flags. ~~These simple devices~~ can also be made from glass or plastic.	+	Most commonly made from metal (such as copper), L-rods can be made from materials such as wire coat hangers or wire utility flags. L-rods can also be made from glass or plastic.

	To use the devices, the dowser holds one rod in each hand with the L portion pointing up and the long portion pointing forward. As the dowser walks, the rods are supposed to cross over each other (or point in opposite directions) to indicate the presence of whatever material is being sought.		To use the devices, the dowser holds one rod in each hand with the L portion pointing up and the long portion pointing forward. As the dowser walks, the rods are supposed to cross over each other (or point in opposite directions) to indicate the presence of whatever material is being sought.
Line 38:		Line 38:
	While dowsing has been dismissed as a hoax, the dowsers have sometimes been successful in their efforts to find water. The US Department of the Interior/Geological Survey says, ‘The natural explanation of "successful" water dowsing is that in many areas water would be hard to miss. The dowser commonly implies that the spot indicated by the rod is the only one where water could be found, but this is not necessarily true. In a region of adequate rainfall and favorable geology, it is difficult not to drill and find water!’		While dowsing has been dismissed as a hoax, the dowsers have sometimes been successful in their efforts to find water. The US Department of the Interior/Geological Survey says, ‘The natural explanation of "successful" water dowsing is that in many areas water would be hard to miss. The dowser commonly implies that the spot indicated by the rod is the only one where water could be found, but this is not necessarily true. In a region of adequate rainfall and favorable geology, it is difficult not to drill and find water!’

−	While there is no scientific explanation for the connection between the actions of the dowser and the location of water, a psychological ~~connection has~~ been ~~made~~. In the 19th century, dowsing was considered a form of cryptesthesia (a type of telepathy or clairvoyance) which allowed the dowser to produce an unconscious reaction during the search.	+	While there is no scientific explanation for the connection between the actions of the dowser and the location of water, psychological connections have been proposed. In the 19th century, dowsing was considered a form of cryptesthesia (a type of telepathy or clairvoyance) which allowed the dowser to produce an unconscious reaction during the search.

−	Modern theories have associated dowser reactions with other types of unconscious motions sometimes referred to as the ideomotor phenomenon (or ideomotor movements). They are also linked to an electromagnetic effect that occurs when a person’s muscles respond to the presence of the material being sought in a ~~place~~ where there is a high likelihood of it being ~~located~~; the dowsing tool amplifies this ~~reaction~~ in an action referred to as confirmation bias. In other words, ~~a response happens~~ because the dowser wants the tool to work.	+	Modern theories have associated dowser reactions with other types of unconscious motions sometimes referred to as the ideomotor phenomenon (or ideomotor movements). They are also linked to an electromagnetic effect that occurs when a person’s muscles respond to the presence of the material being sought (although the reaction takes place in a location where there is a high likelihood of the substance being found); the dowsing tool amplifies this response in an action referred to as confirmation bias. In other words, an action occurs primarily because the dowser genuinely wants the tool to work.

	= Legitimacy =		= Legitimacy =

−	Despite the lack of scientific evidence, dowsing has been used by military agencies to locate weapons and tunnels (in the 1960s), soldiers buried in ~~an avalanche~~ (in the 1980s) and explosive devices (as recently as 2017).	+	Despite the lack of scientific evidence, dowsing has been used by military agencies to locate weapons and tunnels (in the 1960s), soldiers buried in avalanches (in the 1980s) and explosive devices in war zones (as recently as 2017).

	This technique has been deemed a pseudoscience and has been discredited by most official scientific organisations. However, it is still used as a method of finding water in the UK by some farmers and water engineers. Thousands of water dowsers continue to practice in the US.		This technique has been deemed a pseudoscience and has been discredited by most official scientific organisations. However, it is still used as a method of finding water in the UK by some farmers and water engineers. Thousands of water dowsers continue to practice in the US.

Editor at 18:13, 9 August 2021

2021-08-09T18:13:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:13, 9 August 2021
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	Dowsing has been used for thousands of years. There are African cave paintings over 6,000 to 8,000 years old that are thought to illustrate the act of water dowsing. However, the earliest acknowledged evidence of dowsing did not appear until the 16th century, where it was associated with the mining of metals in Germany.		Dowsing has been used for thousands of years. There are African cave paintings over 6,000 to 8,000 years old that are thought to illustrate the act of water dowsing. However, the earliest acknowledged evidence of dowsing did not appear until the 16th century, where it was associated with the mining of metals in Germany.

−	This technique was imported into England by German miners who were recruited to work in different parts of the country. Dowsing was used to find tin, silver, zinc, lead and other valuable materials. The first recorded evidence of its use for locating water also ~~appears~~ in the 16th century.	+	This technique was imported into England by German miners who were recruited to work in different parts of the country. Dowsing was used to find tin, silver, zinc, lead and other valuable materials. The first recorded evidence of its use for locating water also occurred in the 16th century.

	Dowsing made its way to the US in the 19th and 20th centuries. It was used by pioneers to locate water wells as the homesteaders, farmers and ranchers attempted to establish settlements in undeveloped areas.		Dowsing made its way to the US in the 19th and 20th centuries. It was used by pioneers to locate water wells as the homesteaders, farmers and ranchers attempted to establish settlements in undeveloped areas.