Thinking about selling your borehole water in South Africa? You're not alone — with water restrictions, rising municipal costs, and a growing demand for off-grid solutions, borehole water is becoming a hot commodity. But before you slap a price tag on your surplus supply, there are a few things you really need to know.
Let’s break it down: what’s legal, what’s possible, and how LiquaFlo Borehole Solutions can help you make it all happen — the right way.
First things first: Is it legal to sell borehole water?
Short answer: Yes — but only under specific conditions.
In South Africa, water is a national resource managed by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). If you’re using water from a borehole for your own residential, agricultural, or commercial use, you're usually in the clear. But if you plan to sell that water, even if it’s just to your neighbour or a local shop, things get more regulated.
You’ll need:
- A Water Use Licence – This is required if you’re distributing or reselling water for commercial gain.
- Water Quality Testing – If you’re selling water for human consumption, health and safety regulations apply.
- Purification Systems – The water must meet SABS-approved standards.
🛠️ Tip from the field: If you’re not sure whether you qualify or how to get licensed, reach out to a water solutions provider (like us!) who can help you assess your borehole setup and upgrade it for compliance.
Is there a market for borehole water?
Absolutely. The need for reliable, affordable water sources is growing, especially in drought-prone areas or communities hit by service delivery issues. Here are just a few places where borehole water is in demand:
- Construction sites
- Farming and nurseries
- Small towns or suburbs with unreliable municipal water
- Water bottling or purification businesses
- Remote lodges or campsites
- Local tuckshops or car washes
Selling borehole water can be a profitable side hustle or even a full-fledged business — but it’s only sustainable if done legally and safely.
What you’ll need to set up your borehole water business
If you’re ready to explore the opportunity, you’ll want to make sure your setup includes:
- ✅ A high-capacity submersible or pressure pump
- ✅ Quality filtration and purification systems (tailored to what you're selling the water for)
- ✅ Storage tanks and possibly stands for elevation
- ✅ Proper testing and certification for water quality
- ✅ Guidance on licensing and compliance
- ✅ A reliable supplier for borehole parts and upgrades
At LiquaFlo Borehole Solutions, we can help you gear up — whether that means installing new equipment, upgrading your system, or just offering honest advice on what you’ll need to go commercial.
The bottom line
Selling borehole water in South Africa is possible, but you need to treat it like a business. That means getting licensed, ensuring water quality, and having the right infrastructure to support your operations.
If you’re just getting started or looking to expand your water supply into a money-making venture, LiquaFlo Borehole Solutions is here to guide you. We offer customised systems, expert installation, and ongoing support — whether you're supplying a few litres to a neighbour or launching a full-scale operation.
💬 Ready to take the plunge? Contact us for a borehole assessment and let’s see what your setup can really do.