Drilling a borehole is a significant financial investment for a client. As infrastructure continues to degrade in South Africa, boreholes are becoming a primary source of fresh water for many households.
While the siting and drilling of a borehole are critically important for its sustainability, it is the everyday management that ultimately determines its longevity and performance.
Poor groundwater management—often due to lack of knowledge or misuse—can lead to boreholes drying up completely. Responsible usage is essential.
Each borehole has a unique yield and recovery rate. These factors must be considered when selecting and installing a pump. Oversizing or incorrect placement can negatively impact performance.
Regular maintenance should always be conducted by qualified professionals. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure they select a competent and experienced service provider.
Common Misconceptions
- “Bring the pump when you drill, I need water urgently.”
Correct pump selection can only be done after drilling is complete.
- “My borehole is running out of water, put the pump at the bottom.”
Pumps must be placed at the correct water strike level.
- “I paid for 100m, put the pump at the bottom.”
Pump placement depends on water-bearing zones, not total depth.
- “Install a bigger pump.”
You can only extract the available water—bigger pumps won’t increase yield.
- “A survey showed lots of water.”
Only drilling confirms water presence; surveys indicate potential zones.
Final Advice
Choose your service provider carefully. Not all operators prioritize long-term sustainability.
Most importantly, educate yourself. Your borehole is your investment and responsibility. You are effectively borrowing water from future generations—use it wisely and sustainably.