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Borehole Drilling in South Africa

Everything you need to know about drilling a borehole: the process, methods, published costs and how to find drilling companies listed for your area.

Last reviewed . Costs are market indications from published South African price guides, not quotes.

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Borehole Installation: The Drilling Process Step by Step

1

Site Assessment & Geophysical Survey

A hydrogeologist surveys your property using electromagnetic or resistivity methods to locate the best drilling point. This identifies underground water-bearing formations. A survey improves the odds of striking water but cannot promise it.

Typically 1-2 daysR3,500 - R10,000
2

Drilling

A drilling rig bores into the ground using rotary percussion or rotary air blast methods. The driller monitors for water strikes as they go deeper. Rates are charged per metre drilled, and rock hardness is the main driver.

Typically 1-3 daysR300 - R750/m standard, R600 - R1,500/m hard rock
3

Casing & Screen Installation

Steel or PVC casing is installed to prevent the borehole from collapsing. A screen section allows water to flow into the borehole while keeping out sand and gravel. Casing is usually run through loose or weathered ground rather than the full depth, and is often charged separately from drilling.

Typically the same day as drillingR400 - R700 per cased metre
4

Yield Testing

Test pumping measures the yield the borehole can sustain. The installer uses that, with the depth to water, when sizing a pump. A step test runs several hours, while a constant-rate test typically runs 24 to 72 hours.

Hours to 72 hoursR1,500 - R5,000 basic, R3,000 - R7,500 constant-rate
5

Water Quality Testing

Water samples are sent to an accredited lab for chemical and microbial analysis. Results determine if filtration is needed and what type.

5-10 working days for resultsR1,450 - R3,000
6

Pump Installation & Equipping

A submersible or solar pump is installed, along with cable, riser pipe, pipework, a storage tank and a pressure system to connect the borehole to your property.

Typically 1-2 daysR12,000 - R45,000 plus tank

Costs are published 2026 market indications. See theborehole drilling prices guidefor totals by province and city, and theborehole casing guidefor casing detail.

What Does the Per-Metre Rate Include?

Published rates are R300 - R750 per metre in standard ground and R600 - R1,500 per metre in hard rock. Two quotes with the same rate can still differ by thousands of rand, so ask these questions.

  • Whether the rate covers the drilled hole only. Casing is often charged separately.
  • Mobilisation or site establishment. A Cape Town guide cites about R3,500 for rig set-up and a dated KZN South Coast quote lists R7,000.
  • Any minimum charge. Some companies charge a minimum fee even if water is found early.
  • Fuel surcharges. One guide notes that rates rise with diesel prices.

Use thechecklist of what a quote should listwhen you compare companies.

Borehole Drilling Methods

Rotary Air Percussion

Uses compressed air and a hammer bit to break through rock. Commonly used for hard formations such as granite and quartzite.

Best for: Hard rock

Rotary Mud/Water Drilling

Uses drilling fluid to stabilise the hole and bring cuttings to the surface. Used in soft, unstable formations such as sand and clay.

Best for: Soft, unstable ground

Cable Tool / Percussion

Traditional method using a heavy bit dropped repeatedly. Slower, and used mainly for shallow or soft formations.

Best for: Shallow holes in soft ground

Your geology decides which method is needed, and the driller sets the depth limit for their rig. Ask which method they plan to use and why.

What to Expect on Drilling Day

  • The drilling rig is large (truck-mounted) and needs vehicle access to the drill site
  • Drilling is noisy, so tell your neighbours in advance
  • Water and mud will flow from the borehole during drilling, so protect nearby structures
  • Not every borehole strikes water. A survey improves the odds but cannot promise water, so ask how a dry or low-yield hole is charged
  • The driller should provide a completion report with depth, geology log and yield data
  • Ask for a schedule in writing. One guide puts a typical installation at 3 to 7 days once the rig is on site, but surveys, municipal consent, booking time and lab results add to the overall timeline

Ready to Drill?

Send us the details and we pass your request to borehole drilling companies listed for your area, and they contact you directly. We list companies from public information and have not inspected them, so compare quotes and ask for references.

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