Borehole Drilling is drilling a hole down to water-bearing rock, lining it with casing where needed and cleaning it out so water can flow in. Most contractors charge per metre drilled plus casing, so the final cost depends on how deep water is found.
Send your town, whether a survey has been done and the intended use to get drilling quotes.
Get the Best QuoteWhat Does Borehole Drilling Include?
- Site establishment. Bringing in and setting up the rig and support vehicle.
- Drilling. Usually air percussion in hard rock, with the depth agreed in the quote or decided on site.
- Casing. Steel or uPVC casing through soft and unstable ground, with slotted casing where needed.
- Development. Blowing out drill cuttings until the water runs reasonably clear.
- Capping. A lockable cap or seal on the borehole.
- Blow yield. A rough airlift estimate of flow at the end of drilling.
Who Needs Borehole Drilling?
- Homes reducing reliance on municipal water.
- Farms needing irrigation or stock water.
- Businesses wanting a backup supply.
- Owners replacing a collapsed or dry borehole.
How the Process Works
- Survey. Mark the drill point first. See Underground Water Survey.
- Quote. Compare price per metre, casing, establishment and the maximum depth you approve.
- Drilling day. Most residential holes are drilled in a day or two. Expect mud, dust and noise.
- Test. Do a proper Borehole Yield Testing before choosing a pump.
- Equip. Borehole Pump Installation and, if needed, Borehole Water Filtration.
What Affects the Cost?
- Depth drilled and the agreed maximum depth.
- Casing length and type.
- Rock type and drilling difficulty.
- Diameter of the hole.
- Access for the rig and cleanup.
- Travel to site.
Borehole Drilling Prices
Ballpark prices so you can sanity-check a quote.
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Site establishment | R3,500 - R7,000 |
| Drilling, typical ground, per metre | R300 - R750 |
| Drilling, hard granite, per metre | R800 - R1,500 |
| Steel casing, per metre | R180 - R700 |
| uPVC casing, per metre | R400 - R700 |
| Drilled and cased residential borehole, no pump | R40,000 - R100,000 |
Prices JUST UPDATED. Ballpark figures, rounded, taken from rates published by South African borehole businesses and cost guides. They are not our prices or quotes, and no contractor is bound by them. Most sources do not say whether VAT is included, so confirm VAT, travel and exclusions on every quote. One published example put an 80 m to 120 m borehole at about R71,000 excluding VAT, or R82,000 including VAT.
Sources:
- OurPower - borehole cost calculator and drilling cost guide
- BoreholeHub - borehole prices guide
- Groundwater Surveys - borehole drilling prices explained
- Builders in Gauteng - borehole drilling prices
- WaterPointSA - borehole cost guide for Gauteng
- Hillson Drilling - FAQs
- The Post - cost of going off the grid for water (T&T Drilling figures)
Get prices for your property rather than a range. Send one request, with no obligation to hire.
Get the Best QuoteWhat You Receive
- A drilled, cased and developed borehole.
- A drilling log with depth, casing, water strikes and blow yield.
- A capped borehole ready for testing.
Limitations
Drilling contractors are usually paid for metres drilled whether water is found or not. Agree in writing on the maximum depth and what happens if the hole is dry. The blow yield at the end of drilling is not a reliable measure of sustainable yield.
Taking groundwater for reasonable household use is allowed under Schedule 1 of the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998). Larger use may fall under a General Authorisation, which sets limits per property and requires registration with the Department of Water and Sanitation above set volumes, or may need a water use licence. Some municipalities, such as the City of Cape Town, also require notice before drilling and registration of the borehole. Your contractor or hydrogeologist can tell you what applies to your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep will my borehole be?
Nobody can know in advance. Depth depends on local geology. Agree on a maximum depth before drilling starts.
Do I pay if no water is found?
Usually yes, for metres drilled. Some contractors offer reduced dry-hole rates. Get the terms in writing.
What is blow yield?
An estimate of flow when compressed air lifts water out at the end of drilling. It often overstates the long-term yield.
Steel or uPVC casing?
Both are used. Steel is stronger in unstable ground, uPVC does not rust. The driller should explain the choice.
Can a borehole be drilled on a small stand?
Often, if a rig can reach the site and safe distances from septic tanks and buildings are kept.
Related Services
Request drilling quotes through Borehole Water Survey South Africa and compare the price per metre, casing and dry-hole terms each driller offers.
Borehole Water Survey South Africa is a quote-request service. We do not survey, drill, test or install, and we do not employ contractors. Work is quoted and carried out by independent groundwater and borehole businesses, and your contract is with the business you choose. Get a written quotation that sets out the scope, deliverables, exclusions and payment terms before you pay a deposit.
Borehole Drilling. Describe what you need once and get the best quote, fast.
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