F.A.Q Water Boreholes

FAQ'S

Frequently Asked Questions

Boreholes

What is a borehole?

A borehole is a vertical lined chamber which has been drilled in diameters ranging from 3 inches, (75mm) to 10 inches (250mm) and more and can be as shallow is 3 meters or as deep as 200 meters and in some cases deeper.

How deep should my borehole be?

The depth of any new borehole will be determined by local known precedent - I.E, the depth of other boreholes in your area as indicated by the British Geological Survey, and the recommendations of your dowser.

Why are some boreholes wider than others?

The diameter of a new bore should depend on the sort of volumes of water you wish to lift. If you are proposing to draw very high volumes perhaps for commercial purposes, then a wider bore would be drilled to allow for a bigger pump. Typically most bores are 4 inch (100mm) diameter

How long does it take to drill a borehole?

It depends on the depth and the type of material which the driller expects to encounter. Typically, a 3 inch (75mm) bore drilled down to average depth of 50 meters will take somewhere between 2-3 days. It really depends on the hardness of the material which the driller encounters on his way down. If he encounters a lot of rock for example, this is going to lengthen the drilling process.
However, we will produce a geological survey of your area as part of the process and this will give you some idea of the material you will encounter.

How long will a new borehole last?

Several generations at least. Boreholes are lined with tough plastic membranes to the bottom which allow water to flow into the borehole and prevent the bore from collapsing. Given that such linings are virtually indestructible, it's feasible that a modern lined borehole could last hundreds of years or more.

I have found an old borehole on my property. Can I use it?

In all probability yes. Most boreholes, even very old ones are still producing water. It will need to be pumped out several times and cleaned, the result of which is often a substantial increase in the bore's yield.

We have already met a client near Salisbury, whose borehole dates from World War One, was drilled to support a military camp of 8000 men, a hospital and a steam railway. It is still perfectly good and produces extremely high volumes of water -many tonnes per day.

How much does a borehole cost?

Costs will depend on the driller and the geology but on average they can cost £100 per meter which usually includes borehole lining, sealing and a water pump flow test by the driller.