Steps Involved in the Borehole Drilling Process

Dec 15, 2022

With increasing water costs, shortages in supply and climate change affecting water reserves nationally, perhaps it is time to consider an alternative water source by investing in borehole drilling. Allow Aqua Boreholes to guide you through the process.

 

Consider Tapping into Groundwater with Borehole Drilling

 

Even though more households are opting for boreholes to sustain their day-to-day water supply, some are still sceptical about the process of borehole drilling and uncertain that this is indeed a viable option. The steps listed below guide you through what is involved before and during the drilling process, allaying any lingering doubts or concerns you may have.

 

  1. Doing Research

Finding out if neighbours or those staying in close surroundings have a borehole installed is a good indication that you may be able to tap into an underground water source, but it is not a guarantee. Talk to a borehole drilling company in your area, preferably one that has come highly recommended, and find out how many boreholes they have drilled and how much they are yielding.

 

  1. Finding a Water Source and Getting to It

First and foremost, you need to ascertain where the water is and how to get to it. Due to the significant costs involved, it may be advisable to employ a geohydrologist. Making use of published data, and, in some instances, specialised equipment, they will be able to find the right spot where the intersecting underground water flow is the strongest. The equipment used for residential boreholes is relatively compact which means that there shouldn’t be a problem accessing the chosen area.

 

  1. Drilling for Water

Once the geohydrologist has found a water source, it is time to start drilling. It can take between one to two days to complete, depending on how deep the underlying aquifer is. The average depth of a borehole is anywhere between 80 to 120 metres, however, this could be less or more, depending on the region and geology.

 

  1. Doing Yield Tests

Once a water source has been intersected, a yield test needs to be completed to find out if it is viable to continue with the development of the hole. This can be done by the drilling company or an independent contractor. By installing a test pump to measure the flow rate from the hole whilst monitoring the acceptable drawdown level over a period, you will be able to assess the impact the amount of water being pumped has on the aquifer’s water level.

 

  1. Installing Pumps and Pipes

The survey is complete, and the water is now flowing. The next step is installing a pump and pipes. As no two boreholes are the same, the pumping equipment and piping system that must be installed will be based on what the borehole water will be used for. If you plan on using your borehole water for the interior of your home and groundwater supply, then you may need a secondary pump. Finding a borehole drilling company that offers turnkey services is ideal, saving you the expense of a secondary contractor.

Pump, Tank & Filtration Installations

In a country where the water supply is intermittent and droughts are increasing, having a borehole installed in your home is an investment that will pay for itself for years to come.

 

A Sound Investment

 

Investing in Aqua Boreholes turnkey solutions comes with the assurance that your taps will never run dry. Servicing over 500 domestic, commercial, and corporate clients in the Gauteng area alone, we pride ourselves on our expertise and high levels of service. Whether you need our services for borehole drilling or water tank installations, we offer borehole water filtration systems to fit your specific requirements. Contact us and one of our highly trained technicians will be on hand to discuss your borehole installation with you.

 

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