If you’ve been wondering “How much does borehole drilling cost in South Africa?” you’re definitely not alone. With rising municipal water tariffs and ongoing supply challenges, more South Africans are exploring boreholes as long-term water security solutions. But here’s the catch: borehole drilling prices vary drastically by province—sometimes by thousands of rands.
At LiquaFlo Borehole Solutions, we’ve seen firsthand how regional geology, accessibility, local regulations, and contractor availability can influence drilling costs. So, before you request quotes or budget for your new water source, it helps to understand why your province might be more (or less) expensive than others.
1. Different Provinces = Different Ground Conditions
South Africa’s geological landscape is incredibly diverse. Hard rock, clay, sand, dolomite and shale all require different drilling methods.
- Gauteng often involves hard rock formations and dolomite zones, which can increase drilling time and complexity.
- KZN and the Eastern Cape may have softer sediments but higher water table variability.
- Northern Cape has deep groundwater levels, which means deeper—and therefore pricier—drilling.
The tougher or deeper the ground, the more specialised equipment is needed, and the more hours a drilling team spends on-site.
2. Local Water Availability Impacts Price
Areas with naturally deeper water tables require more metres drilled. Since most companies charge per metre, provinces with lower groundwater levels tend to be more expensive.
For example:
- Parts of Free State and Northern Cape may require drilling past 100m.
- Sections of Gauteng and Mpumalanga often strike water sooner, meaning a shallower (and cheaper) borehole.
3. Province-by-Province Contractor Competition
borehole pump system components with filtration units and pressure pumps for reliable water access">
In provinces where drilling companies are scarce—like the Northern Cape—drill rigs travel long distances, increasing transport fees.
Major metro areas like Johannesburg or Durban have higher competition, which may help stabilise pricing.
4. Accessibility and Terrain
Steep, rural, or remote plots often require 4x4 rig access, which raises mobilisation and demobilisation fees. Coastal regions with soft sand may also need casing for stability, adding to the final cost.
5. Local Regulations and Compliance
Some provinces enforce strict environmental or geological assessments before drilling.
LiquaFlo operates in compliance with SABS SANS 10299-:2003, and while these standards are consistent nationwide, local municipality requirements can differ.
Typical Cost Ranges by Province (High-Level Overview)
Please note: costs vary widely depending on depth, casing, geology, and pump choice.
- Gauteng: R650 – R1,200 per metre
- KwaZulu-Natal: R600 – R1,000 per metre
- Western Cape: R700 – R1,300 per metre
- Eastern Cape: R600 – R1,000 per metre
- Mpumalanga: R650 – R1,200 per metre
- Limpopo: R650 – R1,200 per metre
- Free State: R700 – R1,400 per metre
- Northern Cape: R800 – R1,600 per metre
Remember: these prices apply only to drilling, not the full installation. LiquaFlo provides complete solutions including pumps, tanks, filtration, and off-grid systems.
How LiquaFlo Helps You Get the Best Value
Based in the South of Johannesburg, LiquaFlo works with trusted SABS-compliant drilling subcontractors and supplies the full range of pumps, tanks, controllers, filtration systems, and all components needed to complete your installation. We tailor each system—whether residential, commercial or agricultural—to suit your water needs and budget.
We also offer:
- Borehole assessments
- Purification solutions
- Repairs, maintenance & upgrades
- Geo-surveying
- Off-grid water systems
- Shipping of pumps and parts nationwide
So no matter which province you’re in, you can rely on LiquaFlo for expert guidance, transparent pricing, and sustainable water management solutions.