Get In Touch

Don’t hesitate to contact us for your borehole needs. Book your consultation with us today, and let us help you find the best solution for your project.

Email

betty@brdsa.co.za

Phone

+27 83 446 4226

Location

ElsPark Germiston

Hours

Monday : 9:00 am – 16:00 pm

Friday : 9:00 am – 14:00 pm

Saturday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Some Frequently Asked Questions

 

What Can I Use Borehole Water For?

Borehole water can be used once the borehole installation has been completed and the water has been tested. You will be informed if it is suitable to fill your pool with. It is important to test the water as unsuitable water can stain your pool.

The safest way to use bore water is to irrigate the garden, flush toilets, wash cars and clothes. Before using borehole water for drinking, bathing, filling swimming and paddling pools, food preparation or cooking unless it should be professionally tested and treated if necessary.

 

Do I Need To Register My Borehole?

The Department of Water and Sanitation maintains a data base of all boreholes drilled in South Africa. When a borehole is drilled it is required that the borehole be registered with the Department of Water and Sanitation. Borehole water that is used for commercial or agricultural use needs to be registered and metered.

Do I Need to Treat my Garden Bore Water?

It is not usually necessary to treat your bore water providing it:

  • Has a pH greater than 5;
  • Is colourless and odourless; and
  • Will only be used to water the garden, wash cars and flush toilets.

    What can I do to keep my borehole water safe?

    • Site bores away from any obvious potential sources of contamination such as septic tanks and fuel tanks
    • Keep rubbish, pesticides, fertilizers, animals and compost away from the bore
    • Remove and dispose of waste materials at approved facilities
    • Apply garden fertilizers and agricultural chemicals sparingly, following label instructions
    • Clean up any chemical spills immediately
    • Lock access to bore covers or sheds
    • Maintain borehole pumping equipment
    • Use a back flow prevention device to separate municipal water from bore water
    • If bore water is intended for human consumption use only products for use in contact with drinking water’, approved materials and test it each year.

      Can I Connect my Borehole Water to a Drinking Water Supply?

      Yes it can be connected BUT note the following:

        • A back flow prevention device must be fitted otherwise you could end up pumping your water into the municipal water line and visa-versa
        • Any connection to the scheme supply must be done by a licensed plumber; and
        • The water must be tested prior to using it as drinking water or for food preparation.

      Do I Need Approval To Install a Borehole?

      If you are only going to use your borehole for domestic purposes (garden & household use) then no approval is required. If the water is going to be used in a manufacturing process (such as making Coca Cola) and farming then it will require approval.

       

      Is borehole water safe to drink?

      The short answer is YES in most cases.
      All spring and most bottled water that you buy is water that comes from the ground.

      If you are going to drink the water (64% of South African’s survive on groundwater!) then it is a good idea to have it analysed at a water lab. A simple SABS-241 test will confirm if it is potable or not.Water must be ‘potable’—which is to say of safe, drinkable quality.

      Drinking water quality is always assessed by a laboratory analysis after the well is drilled. We would always recommend this. In many cases the water will require no treatment. However, if there is any evidence of bacterial contamination, an ultraviolet (UV) sterilisation unit and pre-filter can be installed. This uses UV light to kill the bacteria, and make the water safe. Unlike chemical purification methods, this does not taint the water. If the water is turbid—muddy or cloudy with suspended particles—in-line filters will remove the problem to provide you with good clear water.

      However, in any situation where the general public is likely to drink water from your supply, we suggest that you install UV sterilisation: In this litigious age, it is important that you can demonstrate that you have taken all possible steps to eliminate possible risks.

      Is Borehole Water your only drinking water?

      Borehole water should not be used for drinking unless it has been professionally tested at least once a year for chemical and microbiological contamination.

      • Find out about the aquifer that supplies your water, the direction of travel, depth and origin;
      • Be aware of activities that occur in the catchment area that supplies the aquifer as these will affect your water quality;
      • Keep rubbish, pesticides, fertilizers, animal and compost away from the bore head;
      • Use only pipes and materials that are either food grade or ‘drinking water approved’; and
      • Use a professionally designed and installed water treatment system that is appropriate to the water quality of the borehole water.

      Bores intended to provide drinking water must be located at least 30 metres away from any effluent disposal system or probable source of pollution.

       

      Can I link my irrigation system to my borehole?

      Yes, you can link your borehole to your existing irrigation system provided the water volume is sufficient to operate the irrigation system. Should this not be the case, various options are available to rectify this. Each client’s particular needs will be assessed and recommendations discussed.

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