The decision to have a borehole installed comes with many benefits, among them water security and long-term cost savings. Whether your independent water supply is used for grey water, irrigation, or as an addition to your off-grid lifestyle, you need to be confident that the water extracted is safe for its intended use. The experts at Aqua Boreholes would like to dispel the notion that groundwater can automatically be consumed. Thereby, ensuring that the borehole filtration system that you may need meets your water consumption requirements.
Determining the Ideal Spot for Your Borehole Filtration System
Before drilling, our team conducts an on-site visit. The reason for this is two-fold; to ascertain the best access point for our rigs onto your property and to gain a better understanding of your specific water requirements. This, in turn, allows us to design your borehole filtration system and install it in the most suitable location. It is also important to send a water sample to a laboratory for chemical analysis to determine its quality, because, even when it is only used for irrigation purposes, the water could still affect crop and plant growth.
The Importance of Testing the Quality of Borehole Water
Similar to surface water such as rivers, groundwater flows in specific directions. As it moves through the ground, it can dissolve minerals or chemicals and transport contaminants such as pesticides. Unfortunately, humans also contribute to aquifer pollution in the form of man-made fossil fuels, oils, and fertilisers, to name a few, which is why your borehole water needs to be tested before use. Where some contaminants purely produce discolouration and an unpleasant smell due to the iron oxide content, others are a potential health risk, such as arsenic, nitrate, and pesticides.
Regular testing of borehole water quality is crucial for maintaining a safe and reliable water source. Test results provide invaluable insights into specific water supply issues, enabling us to take appropriate measures to protect the source from contamination and ensure effective treatment. Assessing the water for its intended use such as livestock watering or drinking is essential for informed decision-making about present and future water management and usage.
Health Risks Associated with Contaminated Borehole Water
Natural water sources can sometimes contain elevated levels of iron, fluoride and other minerals, as well as bacteria. While small amounts may not significantly affect us, vulnerable individuals like the elderly and infants are at risk. For instance, high nitrate levels can be particularly dangerous for babies under six months old as this mineral interferes with the blood’s oxygen-carrying ability. High sulphate levels can lead to diarrhoea and gastrointestinal discomfort and while fluoride is a vital micronutrient, excessive intake can cause dental issues.
Protect Your Borehole
There are proactive measures you can take to keep borehole water clean and uncontaminated, especially if your borehole installation is your only supply of drinking water:
- Understand your aquifer – learn about its location, direction of flow, depth, and source.
- Be mindful of catchment activities – be aware of activities in the area that can have a direct impact on water quality.
- Protect your borehole – whether installed on private, commercial, or agricultural property, keep pollutants away from the borehole head. This includes rubbish, animal waste, pesticides and compost.
Taking these measures doesn’t mean that you should stop testing the water once your borehole filtration system is installed. We recommend that your water is tested at least once a year to ensure the health and safety of those who consume it.
Upgrade Your Water Quality
Borehole filtration systems are not one-size-fits-all solutions. To determine the appropriate system, we need to understand your water’s intended use. After receiving the laboratory test results to determine the water quality, we can assess whether you require basic filtration or a more advanced system with a UV sterilizer. If the borehole is solely used for irrigation and is odourless, colourless, at the correct pH level, and deemed safe for consumption, treatment may not be necessary.
Trusting Aqua Boreholes with your borehole water filter system ensures that your supply is free from bacteria and other contaminants and will protect your equipment, such as pipes and taps, from stains and corrosion.
Pure Water; Pure Solutions
Installing borehole filtration systems and water tanks is a complex process that should be entrusted to professionals. Aqua Boreholes offers end-to-end borehole solutions, ensuring your water source remains sustainable for decades. Besides installation, our dedicated service department provides ongoing maintenance for your filtration system, guaranteeing a continuous supply of fresh, clean water to your taps. Contact us and we will arrange a free on-site consultation to discuss your borehole needs.
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