Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to some commonly asked questions about our borehole drilling services.
Here are some of our most common questions:
Please scroll down to see all the questions and answers or simply click one of the links to jump to the answer directly.
- Why are boreholes essential in South Africa?
- What are the things that should be considered before drilling a borehole?
- How many types of boreholes are there?
- What components does a typical borehole consist of?
- How much does it cost to drill a borehole?
- Why is annual maintenance so important?
- What are the common pitfalls with “Low Cost Drilling Quotes”?
- What are the common loopholes with borehole drilling quotes?
- How do I avoid loopholes with borehole drilling quotes?
Why are boreholes essential in South Africa?
In South Africa, a borehole isn’t just a luxury—it’s increasingly a lifeline. With mounting pressure on municipal systems and climate unpredictability, boreholes offer a sustainable and independent water solution. Here’s why they’ve become vital:
- 🏡 Increases Property Value:
Properties with boreholes are often more attractive to buyers because they offer independent water access.
A fully irrigation system from the borehole a complete came changer. - 🌊 Water Security During Shortages:
Municipal water supply is frequently disrupted due to aging infrastructure, droughts, and maintenance delays.
In cities like Johannesburg, residents have endured weeks without running water, relying on boreholes for drinking, cooking, and sanitation.
It happens all over the South Africa with failing infrastructure or repairs. - 🌦️ Climate Change and Drought Resilience:
South Africa’s semi-arid climate is growing more erratic, with longer dry spells and unpredictable rainfall.
Boreholes tap into underground aquifers, providing a stable water source unaffected by surface-level weather conditions. - 💸 Long-Term Cost Savings:
Once installed, boreholes can drastically reduce monthly water bills—especially for irrigation, livestock, or household use.
Solar-powered borehole pumps can integrate with existing solar infrastructure, further lowering operational costs. - 🔌 Independence from Municipal Systems:
Municipal infrastructure is under strain, often unable to keep pace with expanding urban populations.
Boreholes offer autonomy, freeing you from unreliable public utilities.
Many municipalities expand without upgrading dams or pipelines, leaving taxpayers to subsidize informal settlements and low-cost housing developments.
Legalizing boreholes use often requires increased service capacity, and drought penalties for exceeding water limits can be severe. - 🌱 Environmental and Community Impact:
Boreholes reduce pressure on surface water sources like dams and rivers, which are increasingly vulnerable.
They also enhance community resilience during water crises, supporting gardens, farms, and even emergency supply needs.
What are the things that should be considered before drilling a borehole?
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Geological Suitability:
Not all areas have accessible or high-quality groundwater. A hydrogeological survey is essential. -
Regulatory Compliance:
You may need to register your borehole with the Department of Water and Sanitation, especially if it’s used for more than domestic purposes -
Water Quality Testing
Borehole water should be tested regularly to ensure it’s safe for drinking or household use. -
Upfront Costs
Drilling, casing, pump installation, and filtration systems can be costly—but will save you money in the long run.
How many types of boreholes are there?
🏡 Residential Boreholes:
- Purpose: Domestic water supply for drinking, cooking, bathing, and gardening.
- Depth: Typically, 50–100 meters.
- Flow Rate: Moderate—more than enough to meet household and garden needs.
- Pump Type: Submersible or jet pump.
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Design Features:
Smaller diameter casing.
Basic filtration system.
Often includes a water storage tank and simple control panel.
đźšś Agricultural Boreholes:
- Purpose: Irrigation, livestock watering, and crop spraying.
- Depth: Often deeper than residential—can exceed 150 meters.
- Flow Rate: High, to support continuous water demand.
- Pump Type: Heavy-duty submersible or turbine pumps.
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Design Features:
Larger diameter casing to accommodate higher volumes.
Gravel pack and screens to handle sediment-heavy water.
May include automated irrigation controls and backup power systems.
🏠Industrial Boreholes:
- Purpose: Cooling systems, manufacturing processes, and sanitation.
- Depth: Can reach 300 meters or more depending on aquifer depth.
- Flow Rate: Very high, often continuous.
- Pump Type: High-capacity turbine or multistage pumps.
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Design Features:
Reinforced casing for durability under pressure.
Advanced filtration and treatment systems.
Integrated monitoring systems for water quality and usage.
Often includes telemetry for remote management.
Each type must also consider local geology, aquifer characteristics, and regulatory requirements. For example, agricultural boreholes need careful management to avoid groundwater depletion, while industrial ones must meet stricter environmental standards.
What components does a typical borehole consist of?
🛠️ Core Components Inside the Borehole:
- Casing Pipes: These line the borehole to prevent collapse and contamination. Materials include PVC or steel, depending on depth and water quality.
- Screens: Placed inside the casing to filter out sand and debris while allowing water to flow through.
- Gravel Pack: Surrounds the screen and casing to further filter fine particles and stabilize the borehole wall.
- Pump: Usually a submersible pump, it lifts water from the aquifer to the surface. It’s selected based on depth and flow requirements.
- Support Rope: Nylon or metal rope used to suspend the pump at the correct depth.
- Pump Cable: Supplies power to the pump and may include sensors for water level monitoring.
đź§° Surface Components (Well Head & Controls):
- Sealed Wellhead: A WRAS-approved flange that caps the borehole to prevent surface water contamination.
- Manhole Chamber: Protects the wellhead and allows access for maintenance. Can be concrete or plastic, with lockable lids for security.
- Control Panel: Regulates pump operation, includes switches, gauges, and protection systems like low-level cut-out.
- Signalling Device: Activates the pump based on water demand—could be a float switch or pressure sensor.
- Water Storage Tank: Stores extracted water, often made from food-grade polypropylene.
- Water Treatment System: Optional but important if the water contains bacteria, sediment, or unwanted chemicals.
Each part plays a vital role in ensuring the borehole delivers clean, reliable water while protecting the aquifer and equipment.
How much does it cost to drill a borehole?
If you’re in the Western Cape—especially areas like Ceres, Paarl, Stellenbosch, Somerset West or Cape Town, Malmesbury and Riebeek Valley—groundwater is generally accessible, and borehole installation is feasible. I can guide you through the entire process: geological surveys, water yield assessments, permits, and pump installation.
Drilling a borehole in South Africa—especially in places like Wolseley—can be a game-changer for water independence, but it’s important to understand the full cost picture. Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect:
- 💸 Estimated Cost Range: Total Installation: Typically, between R60,000 and R120,000, depending on depth, terrain, and equipment. That is just a rough estimate but we can do a tailored quote for each client based on their location, geology and needs.
Drilling Cost per Meter: Around R500 to R1,500. (Always ask the inside diameter of the borehole) Please note that the same depth hole in a different location with different geology could be up to 40% cheaper.
Pump Installation: Between R8,000 and R30,000, depending on type and capacity.
Casing (per meter): Roughly R400 to R700.00 (Always ask if the steel casing is SABS approved and minimum wall thickness 4 – 6 mm)
Water Quality Testing: Usually R1,500 to R3,000.
Annual Maintenance: Expect R1,000 to R2,500. - 🧮 Factors That Influence Cost
Depth of the borehole: Deeper = more expensive.
Soil and rock conditions: Hard rock drilling costs less than overburden that requires specialized drill equipment in some circumstances.
Location: Remote or difficult terrain can increase transport and labour costs.
Why is annual maintenance so important?
During the winter season, borehole and wellpoint systems are often not in use due to the rainfall. However, leaving pumps inactive for extended periods can result in operational difficulties when restarting them in spring.
Issues such as airlocks, scale accumulation, and seized bearings are among the common problems that may arise.
Although Cape Town is still experiencing intermittent rainfall, we strongly recommend that clients schedule their borehole or wellpoint maintenance ahead of the busy summer period. Past experience has shown that as temperatures increase, demand for our services rises sharply. By booking early, you can ensure that your system is inspected, serviced, and prepared to operate reliably when needed.
What are the common pitfalls with “Low Cost Drilling Quotes”?
1. Fixed Price with Fixed Depth:
- Initial quote offers a seemingly attractive fixed price for a set depth.
- No allowance for geological variability, refusal layers, or unexpected formations.
- Appears cheaper than competitors—but only on paper.
2. Inefficient or Inappropriate Sleeving:
- Use of thin-walled or low-grade steel sleeves that buckle or corrode prematurely.
- Poor fit or installation leads to compromised borehole integrity.
- Often not compliant with SANS standards or long-term performance expectations.
3. Scope Creep and Re-quoting:
- Once drilling begins, the contractor “discovers” new challenges.
- Revised quote introduces additional costs: deeper drilling, casing upgrades, dewatering, etc.
- Final invoice exceeds the original quote from reputable drillers who priced the job transparently.
What are the common loopholes with borehole drilling quotes?
1. Vague Scope of Work:
- No clear depth range or drilling method specified.
- Usually, a fix price with fixed depth, inefficient steel sleeves and then change quote to new scope of work that’s basically more expensive than the quote of well-known drillers.
- Ambiguous language like “standard casing” or “as required” without detailing materials or standards.
- No mention of whether the quote includes site clearing, access preparation, or post-drilling cleanup.
2. Exclusions Hidden in Fine Print:
- Pump installation, electrical connections, water testing, or yield certification often excluded.
- Transport, accommodation, or standby time may be billed separately — not always disclosed upfront.
- SANS compliance, borehole registration, or environmental approvals may be left out.
3. Variable Pricing Clauses:
- “Rate per meter” without a capped depth or total estimate.
- Escalation clauses tied to fuel prices or “market conditions” without clear thresholds.
- No fixed rate for casing, gravel pack, or sanitary seal — can balloon unexpectedly.
4. No Mention of Geological Risk:
- No contingency plan for hard rock, collapsing formations, or dry boreholes.
- No refund or partial credit if water isn’t struck — or if yield is below usable levels.
5. Missing Compliance References:
- No reference to SANS 10299-2, OHS Act, or municipal bylaws.
- No mention of qualified personnel, safety file, or method statement.
6. Ambiguous Payment Terms:
- Deposits required without clear refund policy.
- Final payment due “on completion” — but what defines completion?
- No retention clause or warranty period for workmanship.
How do I avoid loopholes with borehole drilling quotes?
- Request a detailed Bill of Quantities (BoQ) with itemized costs and standards.
- Insist on a signed scope of work with depth ranges, casing specs, and drilling method.
- Include a compliance checklist referencing SANS, OHS, and environmental standards.
- Ask for a fixed quote with capped depth or a clear escalation formula.
- Clarify exclusions and contingencies — especially for dry boreholes or geological surprises.
- Define completion and payment milestones in writing.