Severn Trent workers using water divining to track down leaks, firm admits

Water divining or dowsing was first used in Medieval times as a means of finding water using just a couple of sticks – but there has never been any solid scientific evidence that the procedure actually works.

Nonetheless, a blogger witnessed Severn Trent engineers using bent rods in an attempt to locate pipes, and although the company has said it is not part of formal training, Shropshire's water supplier has confirmed that some engineers do attempt to use the ancient system.

Severn Trent senior press officer Peter Edney said that customers are happy as long as leaks are repaired quickly.

He said: “We use detailed electronic mapping systems to identify where our network of pipes are which helps us to react quickly when leaks and bursts happen.

“To track down exactly where leaks on our pipes are we use an array of cutting-edge technology, just recently we’ve begun using satellite data and imagery to monitor our pipes from space and we also use drones to spot leaks from the air.

“We don’t issue divining rods but we believe some of our engineers use them. As long as the leak is found and repaired quickly we’re happy and so are our customers.”

Evolutionary biologist Sally La Page from the University of Oxford, who is also a YouTuber, witnessed the Severn Trent workers using "two bent tent pegs" to find a pipe.

Other water companies have also since admitted that some staff resort to the practice, in which the movement of the rods is attributed to the presence of water.

The scientific community has cast off the idea that divination works, however, with no evidence existing to suggest that those using the technique to find water enjoy any more success than they would if it were a matter of random chance.

Severn Trent's chief customer officer Sarah Bentley said:" We have a range of different techniques that are tried and tested, from ground radar to a variety of sensors.

"We are also doing pilots around our drone work and with satellites. These are the means we rely on to detect pipes."

Ms Le Page questioned why companies are still using the practice.

She said: "I can't state this enough: there is no scientifically rigorous, doubly blind evidence that divining rods work.

"Isn't it a bit silly that big companies are still using magic to do their jobs?"

Anglian Water, Thames Water, Scottish Water, Southern Water, Welsh Water, United Utilities, and Yorkshire Water, have also admitted that their engineers have used the tactic.

Christopher Hassall, a specialist in water management at the Leeds University school of biology, said: “This isn’t a technique, it’s witchcraft.”

He said: “We work with water companies to enhance the sustainability of drinking water supplies and it is frustrating that there are still some very peculiar practices that are going on in these companies.”