HYDERABAD, India, June 22 (UPI) -- Scientists in India say a quick, easy way to detect groundwater in semi-hard rock areas using electricity can bring clean water supply to the developing world.
Researchers at the National Geophysical Research Institute in Hyderabad, India, say electrical conductivity measurements of hard rock terrain recorded before and after the monsoon season can reveal differences that show where water accumulates most in subterranean rock fissures.
By comparing the data with other geological measurements and tests, regions of underground water can be located without additional test drilling and pinpoint the best location for borewells, the researchers write in the International Journal of Hydrology Science and Technology.
Data on the subterranean environment is commonly obtained through drilling numerous test boreholes or investigating underground openings, hazardous and time consuming work that does not always reveal the most appropriate site to sink a water well, the researchers say.
"Our approach is fast and cost effective and could be very useful as a screening tool prior to conducting hydraulic testing and water sampling," the research team said.
