Borehole Drilling in KwaZulu-Natal

Geology and what to expect

A 2022 University of KwaZulu-Natal study of eThekwini found yields that depend heavily on the rock: coastal sand aquifers averaged 13 to 25 L/s, Natal Group sandstone 9.1 L/s, Dwyka tillite 0.4 L/s, and Ecca shale behaves as an aquitard. Those are study averages, not promises, and inland districts were not covered. Results vary a lot from plot to plot and a dry borehole is possible.

These are regional pictures. Depths and yields vary widely within a suburb, only a site survey and the driller's log can tell you what your plot will give, and a borehole can be dry.

Borehole drilling prices in KwaZulu-Natal

One online price guide gives R320 to R600 per metre and R45,000 to R110,000 for a typical project, with typical depths of 30 to 100 m.

One price guide lists Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

Prices come from published price guides, not from quotes. The main guide does not say whether its per-metre rates include casing, VAT or mobilisation, and a fully equipped system (pump, tank and installation) costs more than a drilled and cased hole. Ask for written quotes that say what is included.

National pricing guide · Cost calculator

Water quality and SANS 241 priorities

The same study flags potential seawater intrusion along the coast where groundwater is pumped, and the Dwyka and Ecca shale rocks give sodium-chloride type water. Test E. coli, electrical conductivity, chloride and nitrate.

• E. coli: not detected in 100 mL (acute health)
• Electrical conductivity: 170 mS/m or less (aesthetic)
• Chloride: 300 mg/L or less (aesthetic)
• Nitrate: 11 mg/L as N or less (acute health)

Whatever the province, the baseline checks are E. coli, nitrate, pH and total dissolved solids. Only a lab test tells you what your water holds.

Water quality guide · Is borehole water safe to drink?