Price hikes are universally disliked, and this has been clearly expressed in relation to our bills in recent years. With average annual water bills projected to increase by 7.5% next year, its unsurprising that people are considering alternatives. One such option gaining popularity is the installation of self-sufficient water supplies through well drilling. After all, it’s a logical choice—fresh, energy-efficient, cost-effective and remarkably sustainable.
As long-time advocates of water wells, we’ve always emphasised the importance of professionalism for those deciding to opt for this route. Poor standard installations can result in financial and practical challenges down the line. That’s why the Borehole Solutions team wanted to share their comprehensive overview of the process for those considering using water wells.
What does the Water Well Drilling Process Involve?
Prior to any drilling, the preparation of a water borehole prognosis report based on a hydrological survey’s data is necessary. This must only be carried out by a specialist hydrogeologist. The report looks to identify the water source, water quality, and the volume in which it can be extracted. This helps to locate the exact points where drilling should commence and where the well should be installed.
The next stage is where our expertise truly shines – the drilling process. This involves using specialist rigs to drill to the depth required for the well. To mitigate the risk of collapse, a casing is constructed and inserted into the well. This may be fabricated from stainless steel, PVC, or a combination of both materials. A test pump is then used to gather data about the performance potential of the water well. This collected information could include the wells’ hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, and storage coefficient, among others.
Finally, continuous monitoring of the water level and pumping rate takes place within the abstraction borehole. Assuming no complications arise, the pump and abstraction pipe are installed, and the well is ready for operation!
Do I need Permission to Drill for Water?
In general, there is usually no requirement to obtain a permit of planning permission to commence well drilling. That is, providing that you own the land in which the drilling takes place. From a legal standpoint, as a landowner, you possess the right to access water resources beneath your land. The issue that may arise, however, is how much water you’re allowed to extract. According to the Water Act of 2003, you can extract a maximum of 20,000 litres of water per day. Anything higher than this threshold requires an abstraction licence.
Can I Drink from My Water Well?
Absolutely! In fact, compared to mains water, the water from your borehole is of considerably higher quality. Almost half of mains water comes from recycled wastewater littered with chemicals, such as chloride and fluoride. When considering the organic nature of water well drilling, however, contamination is a minimal possibility. Should this occur, a water filtration system is a simple fix.
Contact Us
For more information about our well drilling services, get in touch! Call us on 01733 200501 or email info@boreholesolutions.co.uk to reach the Borehole Solutions team.
