Gaining access to an unlimited supply of water which is cost-effective and offers a long-term solution in terms of water sustainability is possible through borehole drilling. Understanding where your water source comes from and the steps that have to be taken to access it is just as important as the actual borehole drilling process. At Aqua Boreholes, we want you to feel comfortable with the entire process and by providing you with an insight into our world, it just might do.
Understanding Your Water Source for Borehole Drilling
Borehole drilling is done to access underground aquifers. These contain groundwater that is contained in springs or discharged into lakes and rivers. Groundwater replenishes and maintains the levels of water in these natural sources. It is important to understand that not all groundwater can provide clean water, and when an aquifer is struck when drilling a borehole, filtration devices should be installed to provide you with clean, drinkable water.
The Importance of Geological Surveys Before Drilling
As much as one would like to pick the ideal spot to place a borehole system, nature may dictate otherwise. Before borehole drilling can commence, a geological survey of the area needs to be undertaken to determine whether an underground water table is accessible. If it is, then it needs to be established if there are any hazards, natural (dense rock) or man-made (electric cables, pipelines, etc.) that could impede drilling. A geological survey also assists in determining yield sustainability. Should there be other installations in your area, the existing data and borehole information could be very helpful in selecting a drill location with positive results.
The Physical Drilling Process
Once the surveys have been completed and the correct drilling method has been determined, based on the geological data, drilling can commence.
- Depending on accessibility to the site, a medium-sized or compacted drill rig will be used.
- The hole will be drilled to the required depth, predetermined by the geological survey.
- A casing is then installed to support the well.
Before piping can be laid and the hole packed with gravel to prevent surface seepage, a test pump is inserted into the well to measure how much water can be sustainably pumped at acceptable drawdown levels. At the same time, a yield test is conducted to test the balance between the water that can be pumped out against replenishment from the groundwater supply.
How to Determine Optimal Depth
The depth of your borehole depends on the water table and the composition of the ground. The average borehole is between 60 and 80 metres deep, but it depends on the specific region. There is unfortunately no exact science to determining how deep the rig will have to drill.
The yield tests have been completed, the borehole has been successfully drilled to the correct depth, the pipes have been laid and the pumps installed, and your borehole system is ready to be used.
Looking After Your Investment
Having access to a self-sufficient water source comes with the responsibility to maintain it:
- Ensure that the top of the borehole is sealed properly to prevent any contamination from run-off, pesticides and other pollutants.
- Having access to an almost unlimited supply of water does not mean that water conservation needs to take a back seat. Water only when necessary and, during the rainy season, switch off your automatic irrigation system.
We Offer Full Turnkey Solutions
Aqua Boreholes will be with you through every step of your borehole installation, from drilling right through to filtration. Our expertise in borehole drilling, yield tests, pumps, electrical work and water filtration has allowed us to supply our turnkey solutions to over 500 customers in the Gauteng area. Ideally situated in Johannesburg, our footprint extends to surrounding areas. Peruse our gallery to view the scope of our quality turnkey borehole installations. Contact us and one of our highly skilled technicians will gladly assist you.
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