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What is the difference between a borehole and a wellpoint?

What Is The Difference Between A Borehole And A Wellpoint?

We often get inquiries about accessing groundwater. In particular, people want to know whether they need a borehole or a wellpoint.  Both options have great benefits.

However, most people are not sure which option is right for them.  As a result, this post is here to help.

Let’s start by looking at the difference between a wellpoint and a borehole.

WELLPOINT

A well-point access SHALLOW groundwater.  It works best in areas where the water table lies between 1 – 15m.

As such, the pump is placed above the ground. Consequently, the water is sucked up through a pipe in a filtration media. Overall, it is a more cost-effective alternative than a borehole.

BOREHOLE

In contrast, a borehole accesses DEEPER groundwater.  As a result, It works best in areas where the water table is found at a depth between 10m – 200m.

As such, a borehole is drilled into the ground. Consequently, a PVC or metal casing is placed down the hole.  Additionally, filtration media filters out sand particles.

A submersible (underwater) pump is used with a borehole. As such, it is placed at the bottom of the well.  Consequently, it pushes the water up to the surface. Overall, drilling a borehole is the more expensive option

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A WELLPOINT OR A BOREHOLE?

The depth of your water table will determine whether you need to install a well-point or a borehole.

To summarise, the difference between a borehole and a wellpoint is:

  1. The depth of the hole required to reach the water table
  2. The methods used to drill
  3. Location of the pump

Now let’s take a look at the benefits of a wellpoint and a borehole.

BOREHOLE AND WELLPOINT BENEFITS

Each option has its own set of benefits. The benefits of a borehole are as follows:

BOREHOLE

  • Helps you save potable water
  • Saves money on your water bill
  • Increases the value of your property
  • Enables you to fill your pool
  • Can be used to irrigate and water your garden
  • Enables off-the-grid living

A wellpoint offers the following benefits:

WELLPOINT

  1. It’s cost-effective to install
  2. You save money on your water bill
  3. It adds great value to your property
  4. Installation is quick
  5. Saves potable water
  6. You can drink the water (once tested and treated)
  7. You can fill your pool (provided you do a water analysis and treat the water)
  8. It can run your irrigation and water your garden
  9. Gives you a secure water source
  10. Uninterrupted supply of water

It’s always a good idea to access groundwater.  There are so many benefits.  As such, it’s so worth it! Contact us today for a quote!

Contact us for your free borehole drilling quote, Cape Town!

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