Borehole drilling meets a growing demand for reliable water for domestic use, irrigation, industry and livestock. Octopus Consultancy provides a complete borehole service to domestic, commercial and industrial clients, using modern drilling rigs and taking care of the approvals that must be in place before drilling starts.
Our services
- Hydrogeological surveys and borehole siting
- Drilling of new boreholes and water wells for new builds or existing premises
- Borehole casing, gravel packing and development
- Test pumping and water quality analysis
- Pump supply and installation (borehole equipping)
- Borehole servicing, rehabilitation and pump testing
- Consultation and advice on water supply options
The borehole drilling process
1. Hydrogeological survey
A survey establishes the underground water potential, the best location to drill and the recommended depth. It also gives the expected rock and soil formations, which determine the casing materials and drilling cost. The survey must be carried out by an independent, qualified and registered hydrogeologist.
2. Approvals
With the survey report, we support your application to the Water Resources Authority (WRA) for authorisation to drill. Where the project requires it, an environmental assessment is submitted to NEMA. Drilling only begins once the required approvals are in place.
3. Drilling
We mobilise the drilling rig and drill to the depth recommended by the hydrogeologist. As drilling proceeds, the borehole is lined with steel or uPVC casing to prevent collapse and keep contaminants out of the water.
4. Test pumping
Once drilling is complete, we pump the borehole continuously for 24 hours to determine its sustainable yield in cubic metres per hour. The results guide the choice of pump and are needed for the water permit.
5. Water analysis
A water sample is analysed to confirm whether the water is suitable for drinking, irrigation or other uses. Some boreholes produce water that needs treatment, for example for salinity, before use.
6. Equipping
We install the pump and rising main. Depending on expert advice and your power supply, this may be an electric submersible, solar submersible or diesel pump, with uPVC or HDPE pipes depending on depth.
7. Additional works
Optional extras such as piping, plumbing, irrigation systems, tank towers and tank installation are quoted separately.
