What can borehole water be used for?
Borehole water may be used to irrigate the garden, flush toilets, wash cars. We advise that before you use the borehole water for drinking, bathing, filling swimming and paddling pools, food preparation or cooking it should be professionally tested and treated if necessary.
Can you guarantee to find water on my property?
It is basically impossible to guarantee 100% that water will be found on properties. However, through our initial research before drilling we can form a clear idea of the ground conditions and likely yield. We shall not commit to a job if we feel that we cannot deliver the client’s requirements.
Where should my borehole be positioned?
It is the client’s decision as to where the borehole should be installed. We shall make an assessment and advise recommendations should the position you chose not be suitable.
There are various methods of locating water. One way is to have the water doused or divined. It is not scientifically based but many people have great faith in this method. Diviners use various means of detecting water such as sticks, rods and water bottles, to name a few. When passing over the water point diviners claim to “feel” the water.
The location of water can also be done by geological triangulation. This method takes into account the maps, observations and geophysics of the area. This is more useful for larger pieces of land.
The location for a borehole site can also be done with geophysical techniques. These techniques are sometimes made unreliable due to the interference from cellphone towers, overhead cables and other electrical services.
The suitability of a site will depend on the geology of the area and your water requirements. The geology and level of the water table will determine at what depth water can be found and in what quantities.
What is the cost of a borehole installation?
We can only give you a cost indication once we have received your needs and requirements.
Does my borehole water need to be treated for garden use?
Usually, it is not necessary to treat your bore water providing:
• it has a pH greater than 5;
• it is colourless and odourless; and
• it will only be used to irrigate the garden, wash cars or flush toilets.
Do I need to register my borehole?
All City of Cape Town residents who wish to sink a borehole or wellpoint , need to register it with the City. Click here to be redirected to their website.
Are you insured?
Our company is comprehensively insured with 3rd party liability. But, as stated in our terms and conditions, we shall not be held liable for any damage to property or injury or death to any person. It is the client’s duty to advise the contractor of any services and existing infrastructures on the property.
Borehole System Terminology
Aquifer – A water bearing layer of sediment or rock with interconnected pore spaces or fractures that can store and deliver water to a borehole or spring.
Borehole – The cylindrical hole drilled into the ground and aquifer.
Casing – Steel or PVC pipe placed in the borehole to keep the borehole open and to allow room to store water and install a pump. Average casing depths in Western Cape are 12-24m (some holes may require casing from surface to the end of the borehole).
Cement or Bentonite – Placed between the wall of the borehole and the casing and surface casing to prevent surface contamination from reaching the aquifer.
Cistern – A vented water holding tank, usually above ground, used for storage of water before being delivered to the pressure tank and home. Cisterns come in varying sizes – typical sizes are 2500L, 5000L & 10 000L.
Control Box – Electrical switch box that turns the well pump on and off.
Drop Pipe – Pipe placed in the casing to connect the pump to the surface.
Electrical Cable – Wiring from the pump control box to the pump that supplies power for the pump and command signals.
End Cap – Cap placed on the bottom of the casing – if the casing extends to the bottom of the borehole and gravel packed to prevent sediment from flowing into the casing on a screened well.
Gravel Pack – Gravel or sand placed between the borehole wall and the well screen to keep the borehole open and filter water before it enters the well.
Groundwater – Water stored beneath the surface of the earth that is transmitted through small, interconnected pores and fractures in hard rock.
Pressure Tank – A water holding tank equipped with an air bladder that regulates water pressure into the home and demand to the pump.
Pumping Water Level – The depth below the ground surface of the water level in the well when the pump is operating. This is always deeper than the static water level.
Sanitary Well Cap / Base Plate – A vented and vermin proof cap on the top of the well casing that prevents surface contaminants from entering the inside of the well.
Spring – Water flowing directly from an aquifer on to the surface. For drinking water the spring is usually surrounded by a spring house which protects the spring from outside contamination.
Submersible Pump – A common type of water well pump includes the pump and pump motor placed at the bottom of the drop pipe below the pumping water level.
Static Water Level – The depth below ground surface of water when the pump is not operating. This level will vary seasonally and over longer time periods due to recharge, drought or groundwater mining.
Treatment Equipment – Can include a variety of equipment designed to remove various water contaminants and purify groundwater before use.
Water Table – The upper surface of the zone where pore spaces are saturated as indicated by the static water level in an un-pumped well.
Well Screen – Steel or PVC perforated pipe that water from the aquifer flows through to enter the well and pump. In wells completed in bedrock there may not be a well screen or gravel pack.