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“Flowing Wells” is a traditional Geocache located at one of several Artesian Wells here in beautiful Augusta, Georgia! Originally, it was intended to be an Earthcache, however the Reviewer at The Geological Society deemed it not “unique” enough to earn the Groundspeak Earthcache Icon.
So, in order for my very lengthy and time consuming efforts in locating the property owner (in California), obtaining the required written permission and gathering the geological info described below not be wasted, I’ll also consider this hide “Hoot’s Earthcache”!
You will be searching for a micro hidden in a “Hoots-Style” container. No tools or extra pressure on the container will be needed to retrieve the log, however you must find and sign “The Log” to gain the smilie! Please do not disturb the bird feeder located out of reach above the container. Is has nothing to do with this cache!
At times, this area can be very busy with muggles filling jugs with the excellent drinking water produced by the well. That can also pose a problem with parking. You can literally park within a few feet of the container, however if you are forced to park across Wrightsboro Rd., please be careful crossing this busy roadway!
Here's hoping you will enjoy the interesting history and (in my opinion) the very "unique" Geological aspects of Augusta’s Artesian Well!
Watch for thorns!
Welcome to Augusta, Georgia and to one of our most famous “Local Landmarks” the “Flowing Well” located near the intersection of Wrightsboro Rd. and Flowing Wells Rd. in Richmond County Georgia. This landmark is an Artesian Well that has served the citizens of Augusta with pure drinking water for over eighty years!
Discovered in 1930, the well was first used to supply drinking water for the original Sue Reynolds School, still standing nearby. In the past, the well also provided a wooden lined swimming pool nearby with an abundant supply of crystal clear water. Local folklore also indicates that President William H. Taft regularly took water from this well on his trips abroad to prevent illness.
The parcel of land on which the well is located is owned by Mrs. Mary Hawkins of El Dorado Hills, California. Mrs. Hawkins, like others in her family, continues to allow local residents access to the well and it is very common to see many of them filling various containers for their personal consumption.
Now, let’s investigate the characteristics of an Artesian Well.
First, what is an Artesian Well?
Artesian wells were named after the former province of Artois in France, where many artesian wells were drilled by Carthusian monks since 1126.
An artesian well allows water that has traveled through porous rock from a higher elevation to rise to the surface. This pumpless well seems to defy gravity because the pressure that builds up between layers of rock gets relieved when the water finds a path to the open air. An aquifer provides the water source for an Artesian Well.
Second, what is an Aquifer?
An aquifer provides the water source for an artesian well. This is the layer of permeable rock, like limestone or sandstone that absorbs water from an inlet path at high elevation, such as the top of a mountain. The water source might be fed by snowmelt or precipitation.
Porous stone is sandwiched between a top and bottom layer of an impermeable substance, like clay soil or shale rock. This keeps the water pressure high, so that at a point below the entryway of the flow there is enough pressure to bring the water up. Natural springs form in the same way when a gap in the impermeable rock allows the water to rise to the surface.
What is Limestone and Sandstone?
Limestone is a type of sedimentary rock found in deposits all over the world and used in an assortment of ways. This rock is one of the most common forms of sedimentary rock, with an estimated 10% of sedimentary rock worldwide being composed of limestone. There are a number of different forms of this rock which come in an array of textures, colors, and appearances, and many people interact with products made from limestone on a daily basis.
Sandstone is a type of sedimentary rock which forms from a compacted sand aggregate glued together with a mineral cement. It takes an extended period of time for sandstone to form, and the appearance and texture of the rock can vary widely, depending on the composition of the sandstone, and where it formed.
How pure is the water produced by an Artesian Well?
The ideal water produced should be rich in calcium & magnesium & have a low sodium content." The American Journal of Medicine, Vol. 105, No. 2, pg. 125-130. 1998.
True tests of the artesian waters show the following mineral content:
Calcium: 41.6 mg/l
Magnesium: 16 mg/l
Sodium: 3.6 mg/l
Potassium: 0.7 mg/l
pH: 7.8
Fluoride: 0.2 mg/l
Silica: 11.4 mg/l
The purity of the water from “Flowing Wells” is regularly tested and has always been proven to be fit for drinking or for any other purpose!
I truly hope you will have the opportunity to visit Augusta’s “Flowing Wells” AKA, Hoot’s Earthcache. When you do, there’s no reason to email me the answers to the following questions. I have answered them for you!
1. Estimate the flow per minute of water produced by this well. Answer: 8.6 Gallons per minute!
2. Calculate the total amount of water this well has produced in the eighty years it has been active. This number will amaze you, as it did me! Answer: 360 Million Gallons!
I hope you will enjoy your visit and as always, practice CITO whenever needed!...............Hoots!
Congratulations OddBallCachers, MSPlacker and N8Rbug2K...FTF!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ovfba Ghor. erdhverf n "gjvfg"!