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Table K3: Methods of hydrogeological investigation used in NatallKwaZulu
(continued).
Method Description
Divining This exotically varied and unscientific parapsychological method of
groundwater location is probably the most widely used procedure in
NatallKwaZulu, given its relative cheapness, speed, and the
mystique associated with it. The information available (in terms of
the reliability of the method) is strongly biased due to its mainly
anecdotal nature, the successes of the method being trumpeted at
the expense of its failures. Overall evidence indicates that diVining
is no more successful than any other method of groundwater
location under comparable circumstances, and is frequently even
less so. The successes of divining are dependent on the statistical
probabilities that exist in respect of the differing groundwater
conditions in various rock formations
Source: Maud, R.R., 1993. Unpublished document, Drennan Maud and Partners,
Durban.
See also: (i) Botha, W.J. (ed), 1992. Evaluation of electromagnetic exploration
techniques in groundwater exploration, WRC Report No. 212/1/92,
Water Research Commission, Pretoria, 214 p. + app.
(ii) Meyer, R. and Coetsee, V. d A., 1991. Die toepassing van
geoelektriese metodes vir die bepaling van geohidrologiese
veranderlikes, WRC Report No. 216/1/91, Water Research
Commission, Pretoria, 55 p. + app.
Note: The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry has what might be termed "a
water divining obstacle course" for the testing of water diviners confident
enough to display their skills in a scientific context. No diviners have as yet,
succeeded in "passing" the course with a suitably high success rate. Any
. such person achieving this honour, could command a fortune and would
probably die a very rich man IAlcock, P.G., 1994).
11.9 Government drilling services
11.9.1 South Africa
The State drilling service is operated by the Directorate of Soil Conservation and Drilling
Services, Chief Directorate: Agricultural Engineering and Water Supply, of the Department
of Agriculture, Private Bag X515, Silverton, 0127. The Directorate mainly operates in
difficult areas where private drillers are reluctant to work. Sixteen drilling inspectorates
with 36 pneumatic drills and associated equipment are found in South Africa. The Natal