HOW DOES THE DRILLING PROCESS WORK?
The drilling process is best explained in the following steps:
Step 1: Determining the Location to Drill
Hillson Drilling does not conduct water surveys. Depending on your preference, we are able to recommend the services of reputable water diviners and hydro-geologists in your area. We have identified these professionals as the leaders in their fields. These introductions are independent of our services, and Hillson Drilling does not guarantee water. Unfortunately, drilling a borehole does come with risk and there is a chance you could end up with a dry borehole. With the use of trustworthy professionals, you can mitigate these risks.
In selecting the drill site, we will assess the terrain to ensure it is accessible for equipment. Other infrastructure such as pipelines and electrical cables also needs to be considered.
Step 2: Borehole Drilling
The typical method of drilling for domestic borehole drilling is air percussion drilling. A drill bit with a 219mm diameter will be used until the topsoil and overburden rock is sufficiently penetrated. This large diameter is necessary to accommodate the installation of 177mm steel casing. This is required to prevent the borehole from collapsing. Casing will typically only be required for the layers of unstable overburden (from the surface to about 18m).
Collapsing rock/sandy formations may require the installation of a PVC casing. This is required to prevent any unstable layers of rock/sand to silt up the hole. PVC Casing is compulsory for areas where there are thick layers of sand. Examples of such areas are near the coast. If budget allows, PVC casing should be installed to prolong the life of the borehole.
Once the borehole is completed, the hole needs to be developed (flushed) of debris.
Step 3: Borehole Yield Testing
This test requires the temporary installation of a test pump. The pump is operated at a scheduled rate and time, while the decreasing level of water in the borehole is monitored. Simply testing the yield without measuring the water levels is merely a test of how the pump and equipment is performing.
Having a borehole drilled is a significant investment. The water that it generates should be regarded as a substantial asset. It is worth having this asset properly tested and measured. This establishes how much water can be used sustainably, without affecting the yield.
Step 4: Pump Installation, Reticulation and Water Purification
The intended use of the water and the yield of the borehole will allow us to install the optimally sized borehole pump. Hillson Drilling can assist with the design and installation of the entire system. The various borehole pump options available to be installed are Hand Pumps, Electric Pumps (220v or 380v), Solar Pumps or Wind Pumps.
When it comes to purchasing a borehole pump, the unlimited number of brands and models available can make this a daunting task. Through experience, we have selected a handful of pump brands that best suit local conditions. With our range of borehole pumps, we aim for reliable performance at an affordable price, with excellent service and after sales support.
Once the borehole pump is installed, the water needs to be pumped into a holding tank. From the holding tank, the water requires a second pump (normally a pressure pump) to pump the water from the tank into your mains. Positioning the holding tank on high ground, or on a high platform, may mitigate the need for a pressure pump.
A water sample will need to be drawn from your borehole and submitted to a lab. The results of the lab test will determine treatment and filtration is required, if any.
