Borehole Water Testing is a lab analysis of the water's quality: bacteria, minerals and chemistry. It tells you whether the water is fit for drinking, irrigation or livestock and what treatment is needed. It does not measure how much water the borehole gives. That is Borehole Yield Testing.
Say what the water will be used for to get water testing quotes.
Get the Best QuoteWhat Does Borehole Water Testing Include?
- Microbiological. Total coliforms and E. coli, which show contamination.
- Physical. pH, electrical conductivity or total dissolved solids, turbidity and colour.
- Chemical. Nitrate, fluoride, chloride, sulphate, hardness, iron and manganese.
- Metals. Arsenic, lead and others, in fuller analyses.
- Comparison. Results checked against SANS 241 for drinking water, or against guidelines for irrigation or livestock.
Who Needs Borehole Water Testing?
- Anyone planning to drink borehole water.
- Farms checking water for crops or animals.
- Businesses supplying staff or the public.
- Owners choosing a Borehole Water Filtration system.
How the Process Works
- Sample. Taken in sterile bottles after the borehole has been pumped for a while.
- Transport. Kept cool and delivered to an accredited lab quickly, especially for bacteria tests.
- Analyse. The lab runs the agreed parameters.
- Interpret. Results are compared with the relevant standard and treatment is recommended.
What Affects the Cost?
- Number of parameters tested.
- Bacteria only, basic chemistry, or full SANS 241 analysis.
- Sample collection and travel, or doing it yourself.
- Lab accreditation and turnaround.
Borehole Water Testing Prices
Ballpark prices so you can sanity-check a quote.
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Bacteria only (coliforms and E. coli) | R400 - R800 |
| Residential package: bacteria and basic chemistry | R1,200 - R3,000 |
| Full SANS 241 drinking water analysis | R2,500 - 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.
Sources:
- BoreholeHub - borehole water testing guide
- Enviroleg - hydrogeological survey prices
- OurPower - borehole cost calculator and drilling cost guide
- WaterPointSA - borehole cost guide for Gauteng
- Builders in Gauteng - borehole drilling prices
Get prices for your property rather than a range. Send one request, with no obligation to hire.
Get the Best QuoteWhat You Receive
- A lab certificate with results per parameter.
- Comparison with the applicable standard.
- Advice on treatment, if requested.
Limitations
A test reflects the water on the day it was sampled. Quality can change with season, pumping and nearby activity, so test again periodically and after any change in taste, smell or colour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is borehole water safe to drink?
Not until tested. Groundwater can contain bacteria, nitrate, fluoride or metals without any taste or smell.
What is SANS 241?
The South African National Standard for drinking water quality.
How often should I test?
Test before first use, after any change in taste, colour or smell, and regularly if you drink the water.
Can I take the sample myself?
Yes, with the lab's sterile bottles and instructions. Poor sampling can give false results.
Related Services
Request water testing quotes through Borehole Water Survey South Africa and compare the parameters and lab each provider uses.
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 Water Testing. Describe what you need once and get the best quote, fast.
Get the Best QuoteGet the Best Quote, Fast
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