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What Happens If a Borehole Dries Up? Here’s What to Do Next

What Happens If a Borehole Dries Up? Here’s What to Do Next

When you rely on a borehole for your home, farm, or business water supply, the thought of it drying up can be stressful. No water, unexpected disruptions, and a lot of head-scratching about what went wrong. But don’t panic just yet. Boreholes don’t usually dry up without giving a few warning signs, and there are plenty of ways to restore or replace your supply.

At LiquaFlo Borehole Solutions, we’ve helped clients across Johannesburg — from residential homes to large-scale agricultural operations — assess, troubleshoot, and recover from dry or underperforming boreholes. So let’s break it down in simple terms: What causes a borehole to dry up, and what should you do next?


Can a Borehole Really Dry Up?

The short answer: yes, but it’s not always permanent.

Groundwater levels fluctuate depending on rainfall, nearby borehole activity, water usage, and geology. A borehole “drying up” might mean:

  • The water table has dropped — common during long dry spells or droughts.
  • The borehole wasn’t drilled deep enough initially.
  • Your pump isn’t positioned correctly or is malfunctioning.
  • The surrounding soil has compacted, making it harder for water to flow into the borehole.
  • The casing or screen is clogged or damaged.

These are often solvable problems — especially with the right support.


First Signs of a Borehole Losing Water

Complete residential water system with JoJo <a href=tank and dual blue filtration units installed by LiquaFlo Borehole Solutions in Gauteng">

Before your borehole goes completely dry, you may notice:

  • Reduced water pressure or flow
  • Air or muddy water coming out of your taps
  • Your pump switching on more frequently
  • Unusual noises from your pump or system

If any of these signs pop up, it’s time to investigate.


What to Do if Your Borehole Dries Up

Before and after transformation of borehole pump installation by LiquaFlo, showcasing professional water system upgrades

1. Stop Using the Borehole Immediately

Continuing to run a dry pump can cause serious mechanical damage. Switch off the system to avoid burning out your pump.

2. Book a Professional Borehole Assessment

At LiquaFlo, we offer detailed borehole assessments using geo-surveying, yield testing, and camera inspections. This helps us pinpoint whether your borehole is dry or simply underperforming due to technical issues.

3. Consider Borehole Flushing or Deepening

If the borehole is clogged with sediment or buildup, flushing can restore flow. In some cases, deepening the borehole allows you to reach a more stable water table.

4. Reassess Pump Positioning or Replacement

If your pump is sitting too high in the borehole, we might reposition it lower — or replace it with a more suitable model. We supply and install submersible pumps, solar borehole pumps, and automatic controllers that are energy-efficient and reliable.

5. Install a Backup System or Storage Tank

Adding a water tank and booster pump system can provide temporary relief while your borehole is being restored. It’s also helpful during seasonal drops in water levels.

6. Plan for Long-Term Resilience

If your area is prone to droughts or increasing demand, we recommend a water management plan — this could include installing a purification system, additional storage, or even drilling a secondary borehole as a backup.


Why Boreholes Fail — And How to Prevent It

Many borehole failures are preventable with regular maintenance. Here’s what we suggest:

  • Annual borehole inspections
  • Pump servicing and testing
  • Monitoring water yield and pressure changes
  • Upgrading to energy-efficient or solar-powered pumps

At LiquaFlo, our team offers tailor-made solutions that adapt to your land, your water needs, and your budget.


Final Thoughts

A dry borehole isn’t the end of the road. With expert help, most borehole issues can be fixed — or at least managed — without needing a full replacement. The key is acting fast, getting a professional assessment, and putting a long-term water strategy in place.

Ready to restore your borehole or plan for the future?
Contact LiquaFlo Borehole Solutions today — your water supply is in safe hands.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can a borehole run out of water?
Yes, especially during droughts or if it wasn’t drilled deep enough. However, it's often temporary and fixable.
What are signs a borehole is drying up?
Reduced pressure, muddy water, air in taps, and frequent pump cycling are common signs.
What causes a borehole to fail?
Common causes include pump failure, sediment buildup, a dropping water table, or insufficient drilling depth.
Can you fix a dry borehole?
Yes. Depending on the cause, flushing, deepening, pump repositioning, or installing a backup system may help.
Should I drill a new borehole if mine dries up?
Not always. A professional assessment might reveal that repairs or adjustments are enough to restore water.