Geological Materials as Cultural Markers of Water Resources

Water has always been a critical resource for human groups and climate change could aggravate supply problems. In this context, groundwater could be an important reservoir of water, especially given the dispersion of places where it can be obtained (namely springs). Historically, places where groundwater is available have been marked by humans using built structures, with stone materials having a historically major role. These cultural objects tend to become a part of the collective memory and the historical record (when available) and frequently they stay on the original site along time (hence marking a spot for groundwater). However, the development of major water supply structures, especially in the 20th century, promoted an overlook of these ancient water sources. We present a general defence of the importance of recording and preserving cultural stone related to water sources, preferably in the original sites. Cultural stone could be seen as a potential exploration tool for groundwater. This should converge with historical information on the fountains’ discharge, with geological studies of the terrains and geochemical features of the groundwaters involved, in order to characterize the hydrogeological systems and their potential future use (including the preservation of water quality and properties). These issues should be vital factors in urban planning for the future.