Thinking of Drilling a Borehole? Here's How to Choose the Right Spot
Drilling a borehole is a fantastic way to take control of your water supply—whether you're looking to cut back on municipal bills, irrigate your garden, or run your smallholding more sustainably. But before you break ground, there's one critical decision that can make or break your success: where to drill.
At LiquaFlo Borehole Solutions, we’ve seen firsthand how poor borehole placement can lead to dry holes, costly re-drilling, and frustrated property owners. So, in this blog, we’re sharing practical tips to help you understand how borehole site selection works—and why investing in a proper geo-survey is the smartest first step.
Why You Can’t Just Guess
It may be tempting to eyeball a “logical” place to drill, like the corner of your backyard or near a water-thirsty garden. But here’s the reality: underground water doesn't flow in neat straight lines. Water-bearing rock layers (called aquifers) are hidden beneath the surface and vary significantly from property to property—even from one side of the yard to the other.
That’s why professional geo-surveying is essential. Our team at LiquaFlo uses advanced subsurface mapping tools to identify promising underground water sources and help avoid expensive trial-and-error drilling.
What to Consider When Choosing a Borehole Site
Here are a few key things we look for when helping you select the perfect borehole location:
✅ Underground Water Presence
Our geo-survey technology identifies potential aquifers and measures depth to groundwater. This improves the odds of hitting a reliable water source with your first drill.
✅ Accessibility for Drilling Equipment
We need to be able to get heavy-duty drilling machinery to the site—so narrow gates, steep slopes, or garden features may limit options.
✅ Distance from Contamination Sources
To keep your water safe, it’s vital to avoid areas too close to:
- Septic tanks
- Pit latrines
- Wastewater drainage
The Department of Water and Sanitation recommends placing boreholes at least 50 metres from potential contamination sources.
✅ Safe Distance from Buildings
So, how close to your house can you drill? Generally, a borehole should be at least 5 to 10 metres away from the building foundation. This allows safe access for equipment and prevents structural damage during drilling and operation.
✅ Elevation and Drainage
Flat or gently sloping areas are best. Avoid low-lying areas where surface water pools—it increases the risk of contamination entering your borehole system.
What Happens During a LiquaFlo Geo-Survey?
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When you contact LiquaFlo, our team begins with a desktop study, looking at regional hydrogeological data. Then we conduct an on-site geo-electrical resistivity survey to detect water-bearing fractures in the bedrock.
Once a promising site is identified, we provide a detailed report that helps guide the next steps of your borehole installation—from drilling to pump placement.
Avoid Dry Holes: Invest in a Proper Borehole Assessment
Many homeowners skip the geo-survey to save costs—only to spend far more later when they need to re-drill. At LiquaFlo, we offer affordable borehole assessments in Johannesburg and surrounding areas, tailored to your property’s needs.
We believe every client deserves a sustainable water source that actually delivers. Whether it’s a residential home or a commercial farm, our expert team will help you drill smart from the start.
Need Help Locating the Right Spot?
Get in touch with LiquaFlo Borehole Solutions today to book your professional geo-survey. We’ll help you find the safest, most reliable location for your borehole—so you can enjoy pure, pressure-boosted water for years to come.