In a country where municipal water supply can falter during droughts, load-shedding disrupts pumps, and climate change intensifies scarcity, securing an independent water source is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. According to the Department of Water and Sanitation, over 14 million South Africans face intermittent access to reliable water. For homeowners, farmers, and businesses alike, a well-designed borehole offers resilience, cost savings, and peace of mind.
But not all boreholes are created equal. Drill in the wrong location, at the wrong depth, or with the wrong equipment, and you risk low yield, contamination, or a failed investment. This comprehensive guide, brought to you by WellEx Drilling—specialists in borehole installation and groundwater solutions across South Africa—walks you through every critical decision. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to choose a borehole that meets your property’s unique needs.
Step 1: Assess Your Water Needs
Before any drilling begins, define how much water you actually require.
Residential Properties
- Average household (4 people): 600–1,000 litres per day (gardens included).
- High-demand homes (pools, large gardens): 2,000+ litres/day.
- Tip: Install a rainwater tank to supplement borehole use during wet seasons.
Agricultural Use
- Small-scale irrigation (1 hectare): 10,000–20,000 litres/day.
- Livestock farms: Add 50–100 litres per animal daily.
- Pro tip: Use drip irrigation to maximise efficiency and reduce pump runtime.
Commercial & Industrial
- Offices/restaurants: 2,000–5,000 litres/day.
- Factories/food processing: 50,000+ litres/day with strict quality standards.
Action: Keep a 7-day water usage log. Multiply your average daily consumption by 1.5 to account for peak demand and future growth.
Step 2: Understand Your Geology
South Africa’s geology varies dramatically—from the sandy soils of the Western Cape to the dolomitic aquifers of Gauteng and the fractured rock of the Karoo. Success depends on matching borehole design to local conditions.
| Region | Typical Geology | Average Depth to Water | Expected Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | Dolomite & shale | 40–120 m | 2,000–10,000 L/hour |
| Western Cape | Table Mountain Sandstone | 30–80 m | 500–3,000 L/hour |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Coastal sands & tillite | 20–60 m | 1,000–5,000 L/hour |
| Northern Cape | Kalahari sands | 60–150 m | 300–2,000 L/hour |
| Free State | Karoo shale | 80–200 m | 500–4,000 L/hour |
Don’t guess. WellEx Drilling uses advanced geophysical surveys (resistivity and electromagnetic profiling) to pinpoint high-yield fracture zones before drilling begins. This reduces dry-bore risk to under 5%.
Step 3: Choose the Right Drilling Method
| Method | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percussion (Down-the-Hole Hammer) | Hard rock (granite, dolomite) | Fast, cost-effective in competent rock | Noisy; not ideal for deep sandy zones |
| Rotary Mud Drilling | Unconsolidated sands, clay | Excellent borehole stability; ideal for deep aquifers | Slower; higher water use during drilling |
| Reverse Circulation | High-yield commercial projects | Minimal contamination; accurate sampling | Higher upfront cost |
WellEx Drilling selects the optimal method based on your site survey—no one-size-fits-all approach.
Step 4: Prioritise Water Quality
Even a high-yielding borehole can be unusable if the water is contaminated.
Common Contaminants in South African Groundwater
- Iron & manganese (staining, odour) – common in Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
- Nitrates (from fertilisers) – a risk near agricultural zones.
- Salinity (brackish water) – coastal and Northern Cape areas.
- Bacteria (E. coli) – near pit latrines or livestock.
Solution: WellEx includes pre- and post-drilling water testing (physical, chemical, and bacteriological) in every package. We recommend:
- UV filtration for bacteria.
- Reverse osmosis for salinity or heavy metals.
- Aeration + greensand filters for iron removal.
Step 5: Size Your Pump and Storage Correctly
A mismatched pump wastes energy and shortens equipment life.
| Yield (L/hour) | Recommended Pump Type | Storage Tank |
|---|---|---|
| < 1,000 | Submersible 0.75 kW | 2,500 L |
| 1,000–5,000 | Submersible 1.5–3 kW | 5,000–10,000 L |
| 5,000–15,000 | Submersible 5–7.5 kW | 20,000 L+ |
| > 15,000 | Turbine or line-shaft | Custom |
Load-shedding tip: Pair your system with a solar pump controller and battery backup. WellEx offers hybrid solar-diesel systems that switch seamlessly during outages.
Step 6: Budget Realistically
| Item | Cost Range (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Site survey & permit assistance | 8,000–15,000 |
| Drilling (per metre) | 650–1,200 |
| Casing & screen (steel/PVC) | 25,000–60,000 |
| Pump & installation | 18,000–65,000 |
| Water treatment | 10,000–45,000 |
| Total (average residential) | R120,000–R250,000 |
Returns: Most clients recoup costs within 3–7 years via reduced municipal bills and increased property value.
Step 7: Secure Permits and Comply with Regulations
Under the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998), all boreholes require:
- Registration with DWS (online via e-WULAAS).
- Water Use Licence if extracting >20,000 L/day (agricultural/commercial).
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in sensitive zones.
WellEx Drilling handles the full permitting process, ensuring compliance and avoiding fines of up to R200,000.
Real Client Story: The Pretorius Family, Pretoria East
“We were spending R3,500/month on municipal water for our 1.2-hectare smallholding. After a geophysical survey revealed a strong fracture at 82 metres, WellEx drilled a 6,000 L/hour borehole. With a 5,000 L tank and solar pump, our water bill dropped to under R400/month for electricity. Best investment we’ve made.” — Jaco Pretorius, 2025
Your Next Step
Choosing the right borehole isn’t guesswork—it’s science, experience, and precision. Whether you’re in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, or the Karoo, WellEx Drilling delivers tailored solutions backed by over 15 years of hydrogeological expertise.
Ready to secure your water future? Book a free site assessment today and let our team design a borehole that works for your property, your budget, and your peace of mind.
WellEx Drilling – Sustainable Groundwater Solutions, Nationwide.