Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Animals and insects are very good indicators for water. Most insects require water and live
within flying range of surface water. In particular, watch the directions in which bees fly. Graz-
ing animals, like deer and elk, will travel to water each day. Look for well-worn animal trails,
which will usually lead to water. Most birds, except for birds of prey, require significant water
several times a day. Look for water in areas where birds congregate, circle, or roost.
Physical Indicators
Dry riverbeds usually offer areas where water breaks the surface or at least comes close to the
surface. Dig for water at outside bends in the river or follow the riverbed to areas where bed-
rock forces the water to the surface. Look for water at the base of cliffs, where green vegetation
suggests a water source.
Cactus
Some cacti, such as the barrel cactus (but not the giant Saguaro), contain a watery pulp that can
be crushed or sucked to release a jelly-like liquid.
Protecting Your Water Source
Your drinking water source is your lifeblood, so be sure to protect it. Dispose of your sewage in
a manner that threatens neither your water supply nor that of your neighbors.
Table 8-2
provides some general setback guidelines for protecting your water source.
A pit toilet can be as simple as a plastic bucket or a hole 3 feet deep with a couple of logs
to sit across. Or it could be as lavish as a beautifully crafted wooden masterpiece, complete
with a proper ventilation system, the privacy of four walls, a roof, and a door. The traditional
“privy” is about 4 × 4 × 7 feet tall at the front. The seat should be 12 to 16 inches high. A 4- to
5-inch vent pipe should rise from under the seat to about 2 feet above the roof to vent odors.
Periodically sprinkling lime or ashes into the pit will help reduce odor, especially in the sum-
mer months. Plastic bags lining a plastic bucket make dumping and cleaning a makeshift port-
a-potty a task that is only moderately unpleasant.
Table 8-2 Water Source Setbacks
Suggested minimum setbacks for wells
Pit toilet from dug, bored, or driven well 100 ft
Pit toilet from well with watertight casing, at least 20 ft deep 50 ft
Septic system absorption area from dug, bored, or driven well 150 ft
Septic system absorption area from well with watertight casing, at least 20 ft deep 100 ft
Vault-type outhouse
50 ft
Gravity-draining sewer line or building foundation drain
50 ft
