Water company engineers still using dowsing rods

To its devotees, it is an ancient practice used successfully for centuries to find water. And while sceptics say there is no scientific proof dowsing works, at least one important group of experts appears to be prepared to give it a try – Britain's water companies. They admit they still allow their engineers to use rods to divine for mains pipes. A Severn Trent water company technician was spotted using dowsing rods as a means to locate underground water. It has emerged many companies' engineers also use the method One company even said that'the older tried and tested methods are just as effective' as modern techniques using drones and satellites.