Two Rods and a ‘Sixth Sense’: In Drought, Water Witches Are Swamped
Amid California’s drought, desperate landowners and managers are turning to those who practice an ancient, disputed method for locating water. Link To Article
California drought: Water witches in demand as wells run dry
The calls started in October when the rain was supposed to come. Rob Thompson’s phone kept ringing – a farmer in Fresno, a winemaker in Napa Valley, a rancher in Yreka. Link To Article
In California drought, water witches are swamped
CALISTOGA — In a vineyard flanked by scorched hills and charcoal trees, Rob Thompson gripped two stainless steel rods, began rotating in a circle, and counted under his breath.
Then he said he had found it — water, hundreds of feet beneath the parched ground.
“This is really good,” said Thompson, 53, scratching an ‘X’ into the ashen soil with his shoe. “This is a deep one: 750 feet, 55 to 60 gallons a minute.” He added, “This one I can feel.”
Thompson is a water witch. Link To Article
– Press Democrat Link To Article