If you're considering switching to borehole water in South Africa—or already have—it’s only natural to wonder: Can I actually drink it? The short answer is yes, but with a big asterisk: only after it’s properly filtered and purified.
Let’s break it down.
First Things First: What’s In Borehole Water?
Borehole water is tapped from underground aquifers—often much cleaner than surface water because it’s protected from many pollutants. But that doesn’t mean it’s automatically safe to drink.
Here’s what borehole water may contain:
- Naturally occurring minerals (some good, some not-so-good in high amounts)
- Bacteria and viruses (like E. coli or cholera-causing pathogens)
- Heavy metals (like iron, manganese or even lead)
- Pesticides and other chemicals (especially near agricultural zones)
Depending on where you’re drilling, the quality of the water can vary dramatically—even from one property to the next.
So, Is It Safe to Drink?
Technically, yes—but only after proper testing and purification. In raw form, borehole water can carry bacteria and harmful chemicals that make it unsafe. That’s why the Department of Water and Sanitation in South Africa recommends treating and testing your borehole water before using it for drinking or cooking.
Untreated borehole water can lead to health issues like:
- Stomach infections
- Skin irritations
- Diarrhoea
- Chronic exposure to toxic metals
But don’t panic! With the right purification system in place, borehole water can be transformed into safe, clean, great-tasting water for your home, business, or farm.
How Do You Make Borehole Water Safe to Drink?
tank, filtration modules, and green pump installed by LiquaFlo.">
This is where LiquaFlo Borehole Solutions comes in. Our team specialises in custom water purification systems tailored to your specific water quality and usage needs. We provide:
✅ Water testing and analysis
✅ Tailor-made purification systems
✅ Filtration units that remove bacteria, metals, and chemicals
✅ UV sterilisation options
✅ Maintenance and upgrades to keep your water clean year-round
We use SABS-approved components and only install systems that meet national safety and quality standards.
Why Filtration Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
Different areas have different underground water sources, which means your borehole water may have a completely different chemical and microbial makeup than your neighbour’s. That’s why a generic water filter won’t cut it.
LiquaFlo assesses your specific water needs and provides customised solutions—whether you're in a residential area or managing a large agricultural site.
Final Word: Yes, Borehole Water Can Be Safe
With the right purification system, borehole water can be not only safe—but an incredibly reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable water source. It’s a powerful step toward water independence, especially in a country like South Africa where municipal water prices and shortages are on the rise.
So, can you drink borehole water?
Absolutely—once it’s purified.
Looking to get started?
Get in touch with LiquaFlo Borehole Solutions today for a full water assessment and purification system that suits your needs. We’ll make sure your borehole water is not just abundant—but 100% safe to drink.