Water borehole drilling – What’s involved

There are a number of factors to take into consideration with water borehole drilling. Hopefully we can outline all the considerations here but if you have any further questions then please get in touch with us using our contacts page.

The first thing to consider is what you need the water for and if it makes economical sense. Although we would love to help and have your business, there is no point in getting a water well installed if it is not going to reduce your water bills or meet your needs. We believe in giving you accurate information on the likelihood of finding adequate water on your site so you can make an informed choice.

First things first…

We will assess the geological conditions of your site using our own geological maps and knowledge as well as looking at other installations recorded in your area. This will give us information on the geology and hydrology of the area. We have drilled at sites all across the South East of England and use our own in house geological expertise to assess the nature of the job.

If more information is required or confirmation needed of any other the data found, we will ask that you obtain a geological survey for your site. We can advise you as to the best place to go to obtain this report. Prices for the report start at around £250.

Quotation

Once we have all the geological maps and data for the site and have discussed with you your requirements we will be able to put a quote together. The quotation will be laid out showing the cost per metre for drilling, the cost for installation of the casing and well screen (£/m), mobilisation costs, pump testing costs and pump supply and installation costs. If you have any questions about your quote please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Water abstraction license

As of April 2003, abstractions of less than 20 m3/day do not require licensing by the Environment Agency. There is also no requirement to register a supply of less than 20m3/day to the Environment Agency, this is entirely voluntary.

We are however, obliged to inform the environment agency of any borehole drilled to 15m or more. If you are planning to use the water abstracted for any commercial purpose then a license will be necessary.

If more than 20m3/day is to be abstracted then a license is required through the Environment Agency.

Space requirements and mobilisation

Generally mobilisation and access for the drilling rig is not an issue, especially on larger sites for farms and commercial businesses. The rigs we operate are generally the size of a standard lorry. The largest of which has a width of 2m 85cm and is 10m 20cm in length. We also need space for ancillary equipment around the rig with an area able to accomodate 2 trailers. We have not to date had an problems regarding access even on smaller domestic sites. If you have any concerns regarding access please give us a call or email us using the contacts page.

Dowsing

In the majority of cases the use of a dowser is unnecessary, as we prefer to use our previous experience and in house geological expertise to determine ground conditions. However, in specific cases in the past, we have used highly regarded dowsers to help assess the location of aquifers, depth and rate of flow of water.

This is done on a case by case basis and in collaboration with the needs and wants of the client. In these cases, dowsing has been used alongside geological map analysis and information gained through previous experience, providing a holistic view of the site. This information is then used to ascertain the best borehole design and drilling tailored to the requirements of the specific site.

On site – what will happen?

Once we have all the materials on site we can get started drilling the borehole. The length of time it takes to drill the hole will depend on depth and geology. Most water wells can be drilled and completed within a few days.

Waste disposal

When drilling a borehole, waste material from the hole is removed and has to find its way to the surface. In most situations we initially drill ‘dry’, and this produces dust. When water is found, slurry emerges from the hole. We work carefully, and do our very best to minimise mess. In sensitive sites we can use our re-circulation equipment to separate the particles from the fluids, if this method is employed the drill site can be kept very clean, but it adds additional cost.