Thomas Gold

Mark Burr | Primary Water Wells, Hidden Abundance, & The Story Of Steve Riess

The Higherside ChatsJul 26, 2026

Geohydrologist Mark Burr argues that the looming global water crisis is manufactured, claiming the Earth continuously generates vast amounts of 'primary water' deep below the bedrock. He tells the story of German mining engineer Stephen Riess, who reportedly drilled 70 successful deep wells in 72 attempts in places experts called hopeless, only to face lawsuits, government dismissal, and opposition from a California water establishment invested in dams and aqueducts. Burr connects this alleged suppression to a broader 'scarcity spell' used by elites to control resources, and describes his own company's efforts to locate primary water worldwide.