What is a borehole?

A borehole is a hole drilled deep into the ground to access the water below. By installing steel casing and a pumping system into the borehole, natural water can then be extracted directly from the ground.

 

How much water will I get from my borehole?

This is all-important. Each borehole is different and varies in depth and water yield. A borehole's water yield is the amount of water that can be extracted from the borehole in an hour. To establish this, a water yield test is conducted. Once the borehole is drilled, a test pump is placed in it and monitored for 4 to 5 hours. The test reading assists in determining the water yield of the borehole.

If the water yield is high, the borehole pump can supply water for a specific requirement directly. If the water yield is low, the borehole pump will supply water to a storage tank which serves as a reservoir.

Summary steps of how a borehole is installed and how it works?

  • A water survey is conducted by a third party to establish the most viable location on the site for drilling.
  • The borehole is drilled into the ground through the use of a heavy-duty 'hammer' and high-pressure air.
  • A test is conducted to determine the water yield of the borehole.
  • The borehole pump is selected. Factors driving the choice of pump are:
    • Water yield of the borehole - assists in selecting the water flow of the pump
    • Depth of the borehole - assists in selecting the pressure capacity of the pump
    • Availability and type of electrical power (three phase or single phase) - determines selection of the motor power
    • Application of borehole - what will the borehole be used for?
  • Borehole pump is dropped into borehole using the safety rope. The pump is hung about 5 meters from the bottom of the borehole.
  • Borehole water is sent to the laboratory for testing.
  • The storage tank is then positioned on the property
  • The submersible borehole pump then pumps water from the borehole to the storage tank.
  • The water is then distributed from the storage tank with the use of a booster / pressure pump.
  • The garden line us not usually filtered while the line to the house / office is usually filtered.
  • The filtration of the water is determined by the water results received from the laboratory.