|
|
Donegal homes seek 'divine'
intervention
08.05.12
by Linda McGrory
PEOPLE are turning to water diviners in the hope of
finding wells on their land ahead of the
introduction of water charges.
Diviners traditionally use V-shaped hazel or metal
rods to find water sources underground, with many
having the ancient tradition passed down to them
through the generations.
Demand for Irish diviners is now growing as people
try to find their own water before metering and
charges are introduced.
People who drill their own wells are not liable for
water charges and may even be eligible for a local
authority grant of some €2,000.
Diviner Helen Cassells has had a surge in calls
since water charges were mooted.
"I noticed an increase in the calls when talk of the
water charges first started a couple of years ago
and the interest grew after that. I found about
seven wells in 2010 and another five wells last
year. They were all great successes because they
were quite close to people's houses," said Ms
Cassells, who has been a diviner for 46 years.
The 58 year old, from Glencar, Co Sligo, is
currently recovering from a stroke but expects to be
busy finding water again when she recovers. She
charges around €100 to mark a well but owners must
then pay for it to be drilled, piped and fitted with
a pump. The water must then be passed fit for human
consumption by the authorities.
Private well users must also have their supply
treated annually for bacteria and other pollutants
and have to maintain the well equipment. Ms Cassells
and her family pay around €200 to €300 each year to
have their well water treated while their supply
also has excessive iron and must be regulated to
safe levels. |
Of the wells she most
recently located, the deepest was at some 600 feet
while the shallowest was at 150 feet.
Diviner Joe Cassid has also seen a rise in calls
from people hoping to find a well on their land.
"I would find that particularly farmers, who would
use a lot of water for livestock and crops, are
looking for me mark out a new well or a second well
for them," he said. |
 |
|
Water Diviner. |
"My work mainly
involves healing and that takes me all over the
country but for marking out a well, I keep it quite
local. It wouldn't be feasible for me to travel huge
distances," said Kildare-based Mr Cassidy, who
recently published a book on divining. Local
authorities administer well grants on behalf of the
Department of the Environment and Local Government.
The grants are only available to people who don't
have access to a public supply and they cover 75% of
the approved cost or just over €2,030, whichever is
less.
Despite the initial outlay and annual servicing, Ms
Cassells believes wells are cheaper for householders
in the long run.
"When it's your own supply you are more likely to
look after it and not waste it and you know exactly
where your water is coming from," she said. |
|
