Service Details
Why Deep Boreholes Matter to Your Project
Deep boreholes plays a crucial role to determine the sufficient ground and groundwater conditions for those involved in construction, environmental assessments, or infrastructure projects or running winery facility. It can offer many benefits, including cost-effective solutions, reliable water sources, and detailed ground parameters to aid foundation design. Here’s why you should consider deep borehole drilling:
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Cost-Effective Solutions: Drilling a borehole can save money on water bills and reduce reliance on external water supplies by providing an unlimited supply of water at a constant pressure.
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Ground Investigation: A deep borehole provides valuable information about the geology of a site, ensuring a robust foundation design for any project.
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Soil Testing: Understanding soil conditions helps in the design of stable and safe structures.
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Infrastructure Projects: Deep boreholes are useful for both small residential developments and large-scale commercial projects by providing reliable and site representative soil/rock samples.
In addition, by drilling a deep water well for your business or home, you can achieve a sustainable water supply which could aid you to save a significant sum in the long term.
Understand What Water Borehole Drilling Is
Deep borehole drilling involves creating a narrow (10″ or 300mm in diameter maximum), deep hole in the ground. This hole, known as a borehole, can be used for various purposes like accessing water (water wells), discharging excess stormwater (borehole soakaways), obtaining samples for environmental assessments and geotechnical assessment, or even heating systems (geothermal).
All of the UK’s aquifers are designated and protected by the Environmental Agency (EA), therefore, the relevant water abstraction permit shall be granted prior to the commencement of drilling works. Our experience chartered engineers can always help you throughout this process, as well. Once the EA permit is granted, at its core, is about reaching an aquifer—a rock formation that holds water below the surface. Once drilled, the pressure from below allows you to access this water source. Having your own water well or deep borehole provides self-sufficiency with uninterrupted access to clean water, cost savings, independence from the public supply, minimal maintenance costs, and increased property value.
Types of Borehole Drilling Techniques
There are several methods to drill a borehole, each suited for different conditions:
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Cable Percussive Drilling: This deep borehole drilling technique is the most popular one which involves repeatedly raising and dropping a heavy drilling tool to break through soil. It’s effective for soils and extremely weak or weathered bedrock such as chalk formations but slower compared to rotary drilling.
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Rotary Drilling: This deep borehole drilling technique is known as to retrieve cored samples within the competent bedrock, a rotary drilling rig uses a rotating drilling bits to cut through the competent bedrock. Depending on the rock conditions, compressed air or drilling fluids may be used to aid drilling to retain stable the wells as well as to cool off the heated drilling bits at greater depths.
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Dynamic Sampler Boreholes: This shallow borehole drilling technique is ideal for shallow wells and soft soils, this method uses a relatively small drilling rigs to obtain the soil samples. It’s often used for environmental assessments and soil sampling.
Common Uses of Boreholes
Boreholes have a wide range of applications, making them a versatile tool for many projects:
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Water Supply: Deep water wells or boreholes can provide a sustainable and reliable source of water for residential, agricultural, and commercial use. For example, farms, winery and fish farms benefit significantly from borehole water, reducing their reliance on mains water. Setting up a private supply offers the advantages of an independent and cost-effective source of clean and reliable water, ensuring self-sufficiency, cost savings, minimal maintenance, and control over water quality as a long-term investment.
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Ground Source Heating: Deep boreholes can also be used for geothermal heating systems. By tapping into the earth’s natural heat, these systems provide an eco-friendly alternative to traditional heating methods.
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Geotechnical and Environmental Assessments: Deep boreholes are essential to determine soil/rock parameters to aid foundation design as well as to determine information of the groundwater table, permeability of soils, groundwater quality and flow directions to aid environmental assessments. They allow experts to sample groundwater and soil, helping assess contamination levels and other geotechnical and environmental factors.
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Construction: In construction, boreholes are used for ground investigations and soil testing. This ensures that buildings and infrastructure are built on stable ground, reducing the risk of structural issues.
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Drainage: Where/If conventional soakaway options have been exhausted, deep borehole soakaways could be a feasible option to discharge excess stormwater for the new residential and commercial structures.
By understanding the different types of drilling techniques and their limitations, you can choose the best method for your specific needs. Whether it’s for water supply, heating, geotechnical or environmental assessments, borehole drilling offers a range of benefits for various applications.
The Potential Factors May Affect Borehole Drilling Costs
Location and Geology
Although location plays a significant role in drilling costs, we have a significant number of approved drilling firm partners that we can allocate to your site across the United Kingdom with no additional costs. However, drilling in urban areas and reserved sites such as motorways and schools may require more planning and permits compared to rural locations. These type of sites might also have limited access, which can complicate the drilling process and increase costs.
Geology and ground conditions is another crucial factor. The type of rock and soil in the area affects how easy or difficult it is to drill. For example, drilling through hard rock like granite or competent sandstone is more time-consuming and expensive than drilling water through softer rock materials likes mudstone or chalk.
Although the presence of an aquifer is essential for water boreholes, drilling boreholes require very careful planning and design, as deep water boreholes may alter groundwater flow paths, or even cut off groundwater flow completely and boreholes can also interconnect aquifers that were previously separate, consequently this can all result in resource and quality problems. An aquifer is a confined rock formation that holds water at greater depths. Knowing the depth and location of the aquifer helps in planning the drilling process. Companies like IBEX Drilling Team use geological knowledge and databases to locate these water sources accurately.
Groundwater availability also impacts costs. If groundwater is scarce, you may need to drill deeper water boreholes, which increases both time and expenses. In North Wales, for example, typical drilling depths range from 30 to 50 meters in the UK, but this can vary based on the local geology.
Equipment and Installation
The type of drilling rigs used can affect costs. Different rigs are suitable for different ground conditions. For instance, cable percussive and dynamic sampler drilling rigs are suitable for soft soils, while rotary drilling rigs are better for harder competent rocks. IBEX Consulting Engineers Limited (IBEX) drilling teams often uses cable percussive and dynamic sampler drilling rigs in South East and South West UK, which are versatile and efficient.
Pumps and pipes are essential components of the water well systems. Once the water boreholes are drilled, a pump is installed to bring water to the surface. Before finalizing the water pumping system, a test pump is installed in the drilled borehole to run a series of tests on a range of variables. The quality and durability of these pumps can vary, impacting both initial costs and long-term maintenance expenses.
Distribution systems are designed based on customer needs. For residential properties, this might involve simple piping to a garden or home. For commercial properties like hotels or farms, more complex systems may be required.
Installation costs include not just the drilling but also setting up the pump and distribution system. This involves labour, materials, and sometimes additional equipment like air compressors or hydraulic winches.
Maintenance is another factor to consider. Regular checks and servicing are essential to keep the system running smoothly. Annual maintenance checks, water quality testing, and immediate address of any issues are recommended practices.
Understanding these factors will help you get a clearer picture of the costs involved in drilling for water wells, borehole soakaways and the like.
Get Quotes from Reputable Borehole Drilling Companies
What to Look for in a Quote
When you’re ready to get quotes for borehole drilling, it’s important to know what to look for. Here are some key elements to consider:
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Site Survey: A robust site survey is essential. This helps determine the best location for drilling and assesses the geological conditions.
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Drilling Depth: The depth of the borehole can significantly affect the cost.
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Equipment Quality: High-quality and reliable equipment are crucial for a trouble-free service.
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Aftercare Services: Regular maintenance and aftercare are vital.
Comparing Quotes
Once you have quotes from different companies, it’s time to compare them. Here’s how to do it effectively:
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Cost Breakdown: Look for a detailed cost breakdown in each quote. This should include drilling, equipment, installation, and any additional services.
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Services Included: Check what services are included in the quote. Some companies offer a full-service package that includes the borehole drilling, submersible pumps, pressure vessels, and storage tanks.
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Warranties: A good warranty can offer peace of mind.
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Customer Reviews: Customer feedback can give you insights into the company’s reliability and service quality.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the best borehole drilling company for your needs. Next, we’ll look at the licensing and regulatory requirements for borehole drilling in the UK.
Check Licensing and Regulatory Requirements
UK Licensing Requirements
When it comes to water borehole drilling in the UK, understanding the licensing and regulatory requirements is crucial. One key regulation to be aware of is the Private Water Supplies Regulations 2017. These regulations govern the quality and safety of private water supplies, ensuring that the water extracted is safe for consumption.
A significant advantage for homeowners is that you can extract up to 20,000 litres of water per day without needing a license. This can be particularly beneficial for properties with high water usage, such as those with large gardens, farms or livestock.
However, if you plan to extract more than 20,000 litres per day, you’ll need to apply for an abstraction license from the Environment Agency (EA). This ensures that larger water extractions do not negatively impact the underlying groundwater aquifers.
Environmental Considerations
All of the UK’s aquifers are designated and protected under current environmental regulations. therefore, prior to commencement of the deep boreholes or borehole soakaways, it is recommended that early consultation with the Environment Agency (EA) should be undertaken to determine whether they would agree in principle to the use of water wells or borehole soakaways on your site and to clarify their requirements for attenuation, filtration and sediment control measures upstream of any discharge point. In addition, all of the conventional soakaway options must be exhausted prior to consideration of deep borehole soakaways or deep borehole water supply. Deep boreholes can also disturb groundwater flow and/or impact quality of the underlying aquifers. Therefore, deep boreholes soakaways or water wells shall be carefully design to ensure that these boreholes do not contaminate surface water or the underlying groundwater aquifers.
Proper water treatment is also vital. For drinking water, a special screen (geosocks) with gravel packing and a mikolite bentonite seal are used to ensure purity and safety. Regular water quality testing is recommended to maintain high standards.
Sustainability is another key consideration. Using boreholes for water supply reduces reliance on mains water, which can be particularly beneficial during droughts or extreme dry period. Additionally, boreholes can add value to your property by providing a self-sufficient water source.
By adhering to these licensing and environmental regulations, you can ensure that your borehole drilling project is both legal and sustainable.
Calculate Long-term Savings and Save Money
Potential Savings
Investing in borehole can lead to significant cost savings over time. For residential properties, the average household could save thousands of pounds annually by eliminating water bills. This is especially beneficial for homes with high water usage, such as those with large gardens or swimming pools.
For commercial properties, the savings are even more substantial. Businesses like agriculture farms, fish farms, and hotels can save tens of thousands of pounds each year by switching to a borehole water supply. For example, a medium-sized office can save over £7,950 per year on water bills alone.
Payback Period: The initial cost of drilling a borehole can be recouped in a few years. For instance, if drilling and installation cost £24,000, and your annual savings are £7,950, the borehole will pay for itself in just under three years.
Maintenance and Aftercare
Maintenance Costs: While boreholes require minimal upkeep, regular maintenance is essential to ensure their longevity and efficiency. Annual maintenance checks typically cost between £150 and £300. This includes inspecting the well pump, checking for leaks, and testing water quality.
Regular Services: Scheduling yearly maintenance checks with professionals ensures your borehole remains in top condition. This includes keeping the area around the well clean and free from contaminants like pesticides.
By considering these factors, you can better understand the long-term savings and return on investment from boreholes. This leads us to the next section, where we will address some frequently asked questions about borehole drilling.
Frequently Asked Questions about Boreholes
How much does borehole drilling cost?
The cost of borehole drilling can vary widely based on several factors. In the UK, the price of drilling a borehole can range from £25,000 for a complete setup, including connection to your home. This cost can be influenced by:
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The geology of your area
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The depth required to reach the aquifer
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The width of the borehole
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Equipment and installation costs
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Restricted access
Do you need permission to drill a borehole in the UK?
Yes, you might need permission depending on how much water you intend to extract. According to UK regulations, a private landowner can draw up to 20,000 litres per day without needing an abstraction licence. This is equivalent to about 133 full baths or around 11,429 pints of beer.
For most households, this limit is more than sufficient, as the average UK household uses over 349 litres of water per day. If you plan to extract more than the daily limit, you’ll need to obtain a licence.
What are the benefits of having a water well?
Having a borehole offers several significant benefits:
Sustainable Water Supply: Borehole water comes from aquifers, which are naturally replenished by rainfall and snow. This makes it a sustainable and reliable source of water. You then have your own private water supply and are not reliant on mains water supply.
Cost Savings: With water bills predicted to rise by another 7.5% in 2023, having your own water supply can lead to substantial savings. Even properties not on a meter can benefit financially from using borehole water.
Increased Property Value: A borehole can increase your property’s value by making it more attractive to potential buyers. Properties with self-sufficient water supplies are in demand for their sustainability and lower utility bills.
By understanding the costs, permissions, and benefits associated with boreholes, you can make an informed decision about whether this investment is right for you.
At Ibex Consulting Engineers, we specialize in providing cost-effective solutions for all your borehole drilling needs. Our services are designed to be robust and reliable, ensuring that you get the best value for your investment. With over 30 years of experience in the field, our team brings unparalleled geotechnical expertise to every project.
Why Choose Ibex Consulting Engineers?
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Cost-effective solutions: We provide competitive pricing without compromising on quality.
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Robust services: Our services are designed to be durable and require minimal maintenance.
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Geotechnical expertise: Our team has extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with various geological conditions.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us for a site survey and let us help you explore the benefits of borehole drilling for your property. Visit our services page for more information and to get started.
By choosing Ibex Consulting Engineers, you’re investing in a sustainable, cost-effective solution that adds value to your property. Reach out to us today to discuss your project requirements and get a free, no-obligation quote.
