With unreliable piped water in many areas, boreholes have become popular for homes, schools, farms and businesses. Costs vary greatly with depth and equipment.
Cost components
- Hydrogeological survey: identifies the best drilling point and expected depth.
- Drilling: often priced per metre; deeper wells cost more.
- Casing and screens: keep the borehole stable.
- Pump: hand pump, electric submersible or solar pump.
- Tank and stand.
- Water quality testing.
- Permits: large abstractions may need a water permit from the Directorate of Water Resources Management.
Why solar pumps are popular
Higher upfront cost, but almost no running costs and reliable in sunny areas.
Choosing a driller
- Check registration and past projects
- Insist on a survey before drilling
- Get a written contract
- Ask about warranty and yield testing
Maintenance
Service pumps regularly, protect the well head and test water periodically.
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