When you imagine drilling a borehole, it’s easy to picture a massive machine kicking up dust as it digs deep into the earth. But what’s actually happening down there? And how does the drilling rig itself impact the quality of the water you’ll eventually drink, cook with, or use on your farm?
At LiquaFlo Borehole Solutions, we know that a borehole is only as good as the process used to create it. That’s why we subcontract drilling exclusively to teams who operate according to SABS SANS 10299-:2003 — ensuring every borehole is drilled responsibly, safely, and to the highest possible standard.
So, how does a water well drilling rig work?
A water well drilling rig is a specialised machine designed to reach underground aquifers. Although rigs come in different sizes and styles, most follow the same core steps:
1. Site preparation
Before drilling begins, a geo survey is done to understand the ground conditions and the likelihood of hitting a productive water source. This helps prevent unnecessary drilling and ensures the rig operator knows what to expect underground.
2. Drilling through overburden
The rig starts by drilling through loose soil, sand and rock fragments. This is called the overburden layer. Because this material can collapse easily, temporary casing is inserted to stabilise the hole.
3. Penetrating bedrock
Once the rig reaches solid rock, it switches to heavier-duty drilling methods. Rotary drilling and percussion drilling are the most common — using either spinning drill bits or powerful hammering action to break through rock layers.
4. Reaching the aquifer
When water-bearing rock is reached, drilling continues until a sufficiently productive zone is confirmed. This depth can vary dramatically based on location and ground composition.
5. Installing permanent casing and screens
A steel or PVC casing is inserted to keep the borehole stable. In water-producing zones, screens are added to allow groundwater in while keeping sand and sediment out.
6. Flushing and development
The borehole is flushed to remove debris, allowing clean groundwater to flow freely. This step is essential — a poorly developed borehole can reduce water yield and increase impurities.
Why does the rig (and the process) matter for your water quality?
Your water quality depends on much more than just hitting water. The drilling rig and the team behind it directly influence:
✔ Water purity
If drilling is rushed or performed with outdated equipment, sediment and contamination can enter the borehole. Proper casing and screening prevent this.
✔ Borehole lifespan
A professionally drilled borehole lasts decades. A poorly drilled one can collapse, clog or deliver dirty water within months.
✔ Pump performance
Clean, correctly sized boreholes reduce wear on your pump and filtration system — saving you thousands in long-term repairs.
✔ Long-term sustainability
Precise drilling protects the surrounding aquifer from contamination or over-extraction, supporting responsible water management — a core value at LiquaFlo.
Why LiquaFlo Works With SABS-Compliant Drilling Teams
By ensuring all drilling partners adhere to SABS SANS 10299-:2003 standards, LiquaFlo guarantees:
- Proper equipment use
- Safe and sustainable drilling practices
- Accurate borehole construction
- Protection of underground water sources
This gives you better water quality, stronger borehole performance and peace of mind — whether you're installing a system for your home, business, or agricultural property.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how a drilling rig works helps you appreciate what goes into a reliable water supply. When done correctly, a borehole becomes a long-term investment that delivers clean, dependable water — especially when paired with LiquaFlo’s expert pump installations, purification systems, maintenance services and tailor-made off-grid solutions.