Miraculous 'poso' in Ilocos Sur? Kuya Kim explains free-flowing water

A seemingly miraculous "poso," also known as a deep well water pump, has left residents in Ilocos Sur bewildered for its free-flowing water.

Located within the Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina Parish in Magsingal, the water pump caused a commotion on Sunday as devotees discovered the water source, according to parish priest Fr. Raymond Ancheta in an interview with "24 Oras" on Tuesday.

Devotees have since been flocking to the parish day and night just to collect water at no expense. Some use the water for drinking, while others for light washing.

While certain areas in the capital face water interruptions, such isn't the case for this parish. But is it really the work of mystical causes?

Kuya Kim explained that the pump's free-flowing water can be answered by science.

According to him, water from deep well pumps can come from different sources. There's gravitational water or rain water that has collected under the ground; surface water or water from rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water that can enter underground; and lastly, groundwater or water that comes from underground, from layers of rocks and soil called aquifer.

Richard Ybañez, chief science research specialist of the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute, also lent his expertise on the matter, saying that groundwater is stored at pressure.

"'Pag gumagawa tayo ng well, bubutasin natin, aabutin natin 'yung aquifer. Mas mataas 'yung pressure doon sa underground," Ybañez said. "'Yung pressure difference between itong nasa taas at 'yung nasa baba, medyo hinahatak 'yung tubig."

["When we construct a well, we pierce the soil to reach the aquifer. The pressure is higher underground and so the pressure difference above and below somewhat pulls the water upward."]

To ensure the well-being of the devotees, the parish had the water from the pump tested in the lab, which was deemed safe by experts.

—Cody Cepeda/MGP, GMA Integrated News