To drill or not to drill?
Anne-Marie Stuiver, a spokesperson for Afribore, said the company had noticed a definite rise in business, since water restrictions were implemented in Ekurhuleni in the last quarter of this year.
Although the metro encourages residents to have boreholes installed, at times of water restrictions for outdoor use of water, restrictions are applicable to boreholes.
Anne-Marie Stuiver, a spokesperson for Afribore, said the company had noticed a definite rise in business, since water restrictions were implemented in Ekurhuleni in the last quarter of this year.
The company is based in Bapsfontein and specialises in the drilling of boreholes, installing irrigation systems, booster pumps and the maintenance of boreholes.
“Prices depend on depth and water yield, but a 60 metre borehole will cost around R28 000 to R42 000, excluding installation of the pump,” Stuiver said.
“Make sure you make use of a professional driller registered with the Borehole Water Association of Southern Africa.”
Stuiver added residents should make sure with the municipality that they are allowed to install a borehole in their area.
“Boreholes for farming must have the permission from the department of water affairs and have it registered by the department,” she said.
“After that, get a geo-hydrologist to pinpoint the place of drilling and get written quotes from companies; they are normally free of charge.
“Make sure of the quality and experience of the driller and arrange that access to the property is in place.
“If a borehole is installed properly, adhering to the department of water affairs’ specifications, it should last for many years – except if lightning hits the pump, though there are protection tools that can be installed.
“Timers or level controls can be installed where water is pumped into storage tanks, so that the pump doesn’t run dry.”
Among the advantages Stuiver listed, is a “substantial” reduction in the water bill.
“Borehole water is safe for consumption by humans, though it must be determined by a test of the water quality at the specific borehole,” she added.
“You should still have a nice green garden, but it still doesn’t mean people may use water irresponsibly, especially in drought times, as boreholes can also dry up.”
