True Springs are rare

True spring supplies are rare in the UK. Even if shown on a map as a spring, the chances are that the water is not coming from deep underground.

Surface derived source

Most ‘springs’ in the UK can best be described as surfaced derived sources. This is because the water probably never passes more than a meter below the surface. The top layers of soil acting a sponge that slowly releases water throughout the year. The water having passed through the top layers of soil, hit shale or rock and then run horizontally. Culverts, land drains, ditches and a under ground pipe channel the water to a collection chamber. Water from the chamber is then piped down to a property, or several properties.

A boggy bit o land

Listen to this short humorous account of what most springs actually are – A bogyy bit o land.