We usually recommend that a Hydrogeological survey is undertaken by a specialist. This will form an initial idea of whether the water bearing aquifer will yield the quantity of water required by site and the geology of the location. This will inform the well driller what rig and drilling technique will be most suitable for site.

This is not undertaken by Pipefix as it is a highly specialised job. Our preferred contractor is Wardle Drilling, who have a wide variety of drilling rigs capable of drilling in any location. The rig will come to site and get the borehole drilled. The depth of hole will depend on the actual level at which the water is found. The drillers will also line the borehole with a liner that has slots at lower levels to allow water to percolate and a solid liner near the surface to prevent migration of surface water into the well.

Once the borehole has been drilled, the borehole usually requires a pump test. The borehole is pumped over a period of time to assess both the volume of water it will produce and the speed at which the surrounding rocks will release the water. The scope and length of the test pump will be dependant on a number of factors, such as anticipated flow rate, volume and/or EA requirements.

This will provide a breakdown of the mineral and bacterial parameters within the water, from this any additional water treatment equipment can be recommended.

Pipefix will design a complete system catering for all your needs based on the information provided along with the yield and water test results.

Steps 6-9 is really where the site requirements start to vary the costs. For a domestic dwelling the distribution and treatment systems are quite small and basic, but when supplying a large Food Production site the volume of water demand and the high quality required mean a much larger scale approach.

Depending upon the speed at which the water is released from the rock there are two options. If the water is released quickly then the borehole itself can be used as the storage reservoir and a high output pump installed. If the rock releases water slowly then the system will require a potable water storage tank on the surface to store the water above ground and a lower output pump will be used in the borehole with an additional transfer pump in the tank. The water storage tank can be on the surface, partially buried or below ground depending on the site location and requirements.

Pipefix are able to carry out all ground-works, laying of pipes and cables from the borehole to the system controls and on to the service pipe.

The quality of water and minerals supplied by boreholes sometimes requires treatment, typically for bacteria or sediment but sometime for other chemicals present. If the property is domestic and is the only property supplied by a water source, and the water sample is clear, treatment may not be required although you still have a duty of care to supply a safe supply of water. If the supply is being used by a business or is a shared supply then treatment for sediment and bacteria will be required as a minimum by the local authority along with any other recommendations made from the findings of the water test in line with a site specific risk assessment.

Once installed and commissioned a borehole system should provide many years of trouble free service if it is maintained properly. As a minimum, annual checks should be made to the pumping equipment, pipe work and any treatment equipment. Pipefix offer a comprehensive service and maintenance scheme so you can be sure your borehole is operating efficiently.