Get off the water grid

The most important source of water for household consumption is groundwater. There are a few ways to survey for water before drilling a borehole. Some of the most common methods include:

Geophysical surveys: These surveys use instruments to measure the electrical resistivity, magnetic properties, or seismic waves of the ground. These measurements can be used to identify areas where there is a high probability of finding groundwater.

Water well logs: These logs are records of the depth, diameter, and water quality of existing wells inthe area. They can be a helpful resource for identifying areas where there is a history of groundwater production.

Remote sensing: This technology uses satellites or aircraft to collect data about the Earth’s surface. This data can be used to identify areas with vegetation that are likely to be located over groundwater.

Water table maps: These maps show the elevation of the water table in an area. The water table is the level below which the ground is saturated with water. By knowing the elevation of the water table, you can estimate the depth to groundwater at a particular location.

Dowsing or Water Witching: Although the scientific community often questions its effectiveness, some individuals still use this traditional method. It involves using a Y or L-shaped dowsing rod, often made of metal, which is said to move or twitch when walked over an area containing water.

NOTE: We facilitate the survey of the drill position through a qualified Ground water surveyor at your premises. It is important to note that no single survey method is 100% accurate. The best way to survey for water is to use a combination of methods. This will help to increase the chances of finding a reliable source of groundwater.

Once you have identified a promising location, the next step is to start drilling!

After the water surveyor identifies potential drilling locations, we will assess the best way to access them. If we can access the location with a larger drill rig, that would be ideal. However, if not, we will use a smaller drill rig.

Smaller drill rigs are more manoeuvrable but more labour-intensive. They use shorter drill rods and can reach depths of up to 120 meters.

Larger drill rigs are not as manoeuvrable but are easier to operate and have more power. They use longer drill rods and can reach greater depths.

Site preparation: The first step is to prepare the site for drilling. This may involve clearing the area of debris, marking the location of the borehole, and installing safety barriers.

Drilling: The drilling process itself can vary depending on the type of drilling equipment being used. However, most drilling methods involve rotating a drill bit at the end of a drill pipe to break through the soil or rock. The cuttings are then removed from the hole using a circulation fluid, such as water or mud.

Casing: Once the borehole has been drilled to the desired depth, a casing is inserted into the hole. The casing is a pipe that helps to protect the borehole from collapse and prevents contaminants from entering the water.

Gravel pack: A gravel pack may be installed around the casing to help filter the water and prevent sand and other debris from entering the borehole.

The water yield of a borehole is determined by a number of factors, including:

The depth of the borehole: The deeper the borehole, the more water it is likely to yield.

The size of the borehole: A larger borehole will yield more water than a smaller borehole.

The pumping rate: The faster the pump is run, the less water the borehole will yield.

The water table: The water table is the level below which the ground is saturated with water. If the water table is high, the borehole will yield more water.

The season: The water yield of a borehole can vary seasonally, depending on the amount of rainfall.

We conduct a pumping test to determine the yield. A pumping test involves pumping water from the borehole at a constant rate for a period of time. The amount of water that is pumped out of the borehole is then measured. The water yield of the borehole is then calculated based on the amount of water that is pumped out and the length of time that the pump is run.

Depending on the depth, yield and diameter of the hole we will determine the type of borehole pump needed to work optimally with your borehole. In the initial quote given there will be the most commonly used pump quoted on.

The pump isn’t always installed immediately as the hole must ‘settle’ first as sand and debris sink to the bottom and the water cleared. This can take a few days.

We can do the installation of a “JoJo” tank or tanks system linked to the borehole. Depending on the use of the water there might be a need to test the water and install a filter system. A complete off the grid solution can also be done where everything runs of a solar setup.

The type of filtration system used for borehole water can vary depending on the specific water quality and intended use. However, there are several common types of filtration systems that are often used to treat borehole water:

Sediment Filters: These are used to remove larger particles from the water, such as sand, rust, or silt. They are typically the first step in a multistage filtration system.

Activated Carbon Filters: These filters are effective in removing organic compounds, chlorine, and other chemicals that affect the taste and odor of the water.

Reverse Osmosis Systems: These use a semi-permeable membrane to remove a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals, salts, and certain organic chemicals. This system is often used when the water needs to be very pure, for instance, for drinking or cooking.

UV Filters: Ultraviolet filters use UV light to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that may be present in the water. This system is often used in conjunction with other types of filters.

Ion Exchange Filters (Water Softeners): These systems are used to remove hardness from water, which is usually caused by excessive amounts of calcium and magnesium. They work by exchanging these ions for sodium or potassium ions.

Iron and Manganese Filters: In some cases, borehole water may contain high levels of iron andmanganese, which can stain laundry and plumbing fixtures and give water an unpleasant taste. Special iron and manganese filters are available to treat this issue.

Once everything is in place, the final step is to connect the filter system to a pressure pump and to
your house and garden.

NOTE: We can also help to rehabilitate existing boreholes or connect your existing borehole to a tank
and filtration system.