Hosepipe Ban 2022

An In-Depth Breakdown of Borehole Costs

When considering investing in a water borehole to replace your current water supply or mains water system and save money in the long term, you want to ensure that you’re aware of all costs involved,  including a detailed breakdown of the cost of installation. Once installed, the upkeep required and maintenance costs are minimal with the only running costs being electricity.

Let’s break the detailed costs down. At Dragon Drilling, we do ours in five different stages, with a typical domestic installation costing around £13,000 + VAT. In the example below, the borehole would be drilled to a 60-metre depth, which is what 90% of our boreholes are drilled to, with stage 1 being the most costly part and taking 3-4 days on average. The follow-up stages usually take 1 day each and from start to finish the whole process takes around 6 weeks.  

Stage 1 is where the core work is carried out – this is usually the longest step to complete, clocking in at around 3-4 days. This phase is all about preparing the site and getting the borehole in place. Firstly, we mobilise the drilling rig and all necessary equipment to your property. Once the rig is set up our experienced drillers use specialised equipment to drill around 60m into the ground. We then install MDPE pipework to ensure the structural integrity of the borehole and its ability to facilitate water extraction later on.

With the drilling complete and the pipework in place, the next step is to then fill the space between the pipe and the borehole wall with gravel and bentonite. This step stabilises the borehole and prevents surface water contamination. The gravel acts as a natural filter, while the bentonite clay swells to create a watertight seal.

Finally, we tidy up the site, ensuring everything is left clean and safe!

The next phase focuses on the infrastructure surrounding your borehole, the installation of the manhole chamber. This chamber is an essential access point for future maintenance, repairs and any inspections to your borehole. Alongside the chamber installation, we also address any required trenching. This involves excavating trenches to lay pipes that connect the borehole to your property’s plumbing system or storage tanks.

Following the installation of the manhole chamber and any necessary trenching, we move on to the crucial step of installing the borehole pump. The pump is a submersible pump, designed to operate within the borehole itself.

The fourth step is conducting a thorough chemical water analysis. This is essential to ensure the water is safe for its intended use, whether it’s for drinking, irrigation, or other purposes. We collect a water sample and send it to a certified laboratory for comprehensive testing. This analysis identifies any potential contaminants, such as iron or manganese that may be present in the water. The results of this analysis will determine if any water treatment is required to ensure the water meets the necessary quality standards. This commitment to water quality is a crucial part of our process.

The final stage involves the installation of the above-ground equipment. This is where your borehole transforms from a hole in the ground into a fully functional water supply system. We install essential components like storage tanks to hold the extracted water, ensuring a reliable supply for your household, even during periods of high demand. The size and type of tank will depend on your specific needs and property size.

Depending on your specific requirements and the distance the water needs to be transported, we will also install additional distribution pumps to boost water pressure or distribute water to different areas of your property, such as for irrigation or filling a swimming pool.

Water quality is paramount, so we always incorporate a cartridge filtration system and a UV steriliser to remove any remaining impurities and ensure the water is safe for all uses.

A recent experience of having to limit water use was during the hosepipe ban. Over the past few years, there have been hose pipe bans enforced by water companies all over the UK, and have been known to affect those such as window cleaners and patio cleaners, as well as gardeners and trade businesses who due to the hose pipe bans will have experienced reduced efficiency, delays, and loss of business. The last hose pipe ban in the UK was as recently as August 2022, so why not get prepared? With the rapid and unpredictable changes in weather, installing a water borehole may be an ideal solution for your home or business. Contact us today to discover your options.

In conclusion, the cost of drilling a borehole is influenced by a variety of factors, including location, ground conditions, depth, materials, and labour. While the initial investment may seem significant, the long-term benefits of having a private water supply can outweigh the upfront costs. By carefully considering your needs, including maintenance costs for your borehole, obtaining quotes, and working with experienced professionals, you can make an informed decision and potentially secure a reliable and cost-effective water source for years to come.

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