A Borehole Geophysical Survey measures physical properties of the ground, such as electrical resistance and magnetic field, to find structures that may hold groundwater. It is the fieldwork part of siting a borehole. It is narrower than a Hydrogeological Assessment, which interprets the wider groundwater picture.
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Get the Best QuoteWhat Does a Borehole Geophysical Survey Include?
- Electrical resistivity. Current is passed into the ground through electrodes. Profiling maps changes along a line. Vertical electrical sounding (VES) estimates layers with depth at a chosen point.
- Electromagnetic (EM). Measures ground conductivity quickly over longer lines, useful for finding fractures and weathered zones.
- Magnetic. Picks up dykes and other magnetic structures that can act as water conduits or barriers.
- Data plots. Readings plotted as profiles so anomalies can be compared.
- Drill point selection. The best anomalies are pegged for drilling.
Who Needs a Geophysical Survey?
- Anyone drilling in hard-rock areas, where water sits in fractures rather than in a continuous layer.
- Farms and businesses where a dry hole is expensive.
- Projects where a hydrogeologist needs field data before a full assessment.
How the Process Works
- Plan. The surveyor reviews geological maps and picks traverse lines.
- Measure. Readings are taken at set spacings along each line.
- Interpret. Anomalies are compared across methods and lines.
- Mark. Recommended drill points are pegged and coordinates recorded.
- Report. Plots and recommendations are handed over, if a report is quoted.
What Affects the Cost?
- Number and length of traverses.
- Number of methods used, for example EM only, or EM plus resistivity sounding.
- Travel distance and accommodation for remote sites.
- Report detail and whether a registered scientist signs it.
Borehole Geophysical Survey Prices
Ballpark prices so you can sanity-check a quote.
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Geophysical survey, per site | R5,000 - R15,000 |
| Comprehensive multi-method package | R10,500 - R28,000 |
| Specialist day rate | R2,500 - R5,000 per day |
| Desktop study before fieldwork | R2,000 - R5,000 |
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. No source publishes a price per traverse.
Sources:
- Enviroleg - borehole geophysical survey prices
- Enviroleg - municipal water surveying prices
- Enviroleg - water surveying prices in Cape Town
- WaterPointSA - borehole cost guide for Gauteng
Get prices for your property rather than a range. Send one request, with no obligation to hire.
Get the Best QuoteGeophysical Survey vs Hydrogeological Assessment
| Item | Geophysical survey | Hydrogeological assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Find a drill point | Understand the aquifer, yield and impacts |
| Work | Fieldwork with instruments | Data review, field data, pump test analysis, modelling where needed |
| Output | Pegged points, plots, short report | Formal report, often for licensing or planning |
| Typical client | Homes, farms, businesses | Larger users, developers, municipalities |
What You Receive
- Pegged drill points with GPS coordinates.
- Profile plots for each traverse.
- A ranked list of recommended sites.
- An indicated drilling depth range, where the method supports it.
Limitations
A survey improves the odds of drilling in the right place. It does not guarantee that water will be found, or the yield, depth or quality of any water that is found.
Readings can be affected by power lines, fences, pipes and buildings, which limits what can be measured on small built-up stands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which geophysical method is best?
It depends on the geology. Many surveyors combine EM or magnetic profiling to find structures with resistivity sounding to check depth.
Can a survey be done on a small suburban stand?
Often yes, but buried services, walls and power lines limit the readings. Ask the surveyor whether the stand is suitable.
Do I get a report?
Only if it is included in the quote. Some surveyors only peg the site. Ask before you book.
Is a geophysical survey enough for a water use licence?
Usually not on its own. Licence applications normally need a hydrogeological report with pump test data.
Related Services
Get geophysical survey quotes through Borehole Water Survey South Africa and check which methods and how many traverses each one includes.
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.
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