Bore Well Drilling: Our Incredible 36m Journey to Water

When you hear that first rush of water underground, it feels like you’ve unlocked nature’s hidden treasure” – Harry, Aqua Bore Drilling

A Dry Australian Summer

We filmed this particular job during the peak of a sweltering Aussie summer with the help of our amazing customer who had a passion for living off-the-grid. As you can imagine, everything was bone-dry, and local farmers were desperate for any form of reliable water. If you’ve lived in regional Australia, you know the difference a working bore well can make to a property’s survival.

My Passion for Bore Wells

I’ve been at this since I was a young bloke. Over the years, I’ve learned that no two bore wells are the same: each site, each aquifer, each geology brings a unique challenge. That’s why I love creating educational content—like the 16-minute footage our client filmed—to showcase the real steps from setting up the rig to that life-changing moment we strike water.

“It’s not just about drilling a hole; it’s about securing a lifeline for those who need it most.” – Harry

If you want to learn more about me and my team, check out our About Us – Aqua Bore Drilling page.

Why Bore Wells Are So Important in Australia

Meeting Rural Water Needs

Rural communities and off-grid properties often rely on water tanks that can run dry quickly in harsh summers. In many cases, the only reliable alternative is bore water—which, when properly constructed and maintained, can supply a consistent flow even in drought conditions. Feel free to read more about the significance of water bores in Water Bores NSW – Aqua Bore Drilling or Water Bores QLD – Aqua Bore Drilling if you’re based in those regions.

Bore Well vs Traditional Well

You might wonder about bore well vs well: The term “bore” generally indicates a mechanically drilled hole using modern equipment, while “well” can refer to any hand-dug or older style water source. In practice, deeper bores usually tap into confined aquifers with potentially cleaner water. If you’re curious about the differences, head over to our educational post: What Is a Water Bore? A Comprehensive Guide by Aqua Bore Drilling.

Finding the Right Spot

Water Divining Overview

While its effectiveness is often debated, water divining has been around for centuries. In the footage, our clients explain how the earlier water diving estimate for water deoth was almost spot-on for the water actually was after Harry dug the bore.

“We still rely on water diviners in some areas because advanced geophysical tools aren’t always practical or cost-effective for smaller projects.” – Harry

For more insight into this time-tested method, you can read How Does Water Divining Work – Aqua Bore Drilling.

Using the Australian Groundwater Database

Our client also checked the Bureau of Meteorology’s groundwater database. This database displays registered bores in your area—an invaluable resource for estimating success rates and average drilling depths. By combining the database with old-fashioned water divining, we ended up with a solid plan to drill down roughly 36 metres (120 feet). If you want detailed tips on scouting a property, check out How to Find Bore Water on Your Property: A Guide by Aqua Bore Drilling.

Setting Up the Drilling Rig

Stabilising the Truck

In the video, you see our drilling rig—a big truck that lifts its mast into a vertical position. Stabiliser legs extend on each side to ensure the drill goes perfectly straight. Any tilt can compromise bore integrity and lead to major alignment issues.

Air Compressor and Drill Rods

The next thing you’ll notice is a separate vehicle housing a colossal air compressor. This compressor channels high-pressure air down the hollow drill rods, blowing dislodged material back to the surface. Think of it as the same principle behind a power drill—but on an industrial scale, with rods that are about 6 metres (20 feet) long each.

Drilling Through Sand

Challenges of Sand Collapse

From about 0 to 30 metres, the formation was predominantly sand. Sand presents a unique challenge because it easily collapses back into the bore hole. In the video, you’ll see how the rig struggles, repeatedly blowing sand out only to have it cave right back in.

“When you’re drilling through sand, it feels like digging into sugar. It just keeps rushing in.” – Harry

 

Early Water Signs vs Reality

Sometimes you’ll see a trickle or puddle around 10 or 15 metres and get your hopes up, but that water can be misleading. In reality, the consistent supply you want lies deeper in the confined aquifer. For more on well depths, see How Deep Are Water Wells? Understanding Deep Wells in Australia – Aqua Bore Drilling.

Hitting Bedrock—A Turning Point

The 30m Marker

Around 30 metres down, we finally struck sandstone bedrock. That’s where the client’s excitement soared because bedrock can often mean you’re near a quality water zone. The big question: would we find enough flow to justify the cost?

Why Bedrock Is Promising

Bedrock generally indicates a better chance at a confined aquifer. Confined aquifers can carry large volumes of water under pressure, often resulting in stronger flow rates once you break through. Knowing we were on the cusp of something big, we proceeded with caution.

“Reaching bedrock is like seeing the starting line of a marathon. You’ve done the warm-up, but the real race is about to begin.” – Harry

 

 

The Steel Casing Dilemma

Doubling the Bore Well Cost

Because we’d drilled through roughly 30 metres of loose sand, we needed steel casing to keep the hole intact before advancing deeper. This drastically increased the bore well cost, as steel casing plus welding can run up to $300 per metre.

If you’d like a complete cost breakdown, head over to our Cost – Aqua Bore Drilling page.

Welding and Driving Down Casing

The video shows how we welded five lengths of steel casing to create a sturdy shield down to the sandstone layer. After driving the casing in with a hammer drill attachment, we had to remove it, re-check the bore, then re-insert drilling rods for the final push.

The Big Decision

Risk vs Giving Up

When we realised we’d be investing thousands more to line the bore with steel, the client had two options:

1. Stop Drilling and write off the cost so far (around $4,000) as a “test bore.”
2. Go All-In and hope deeper drilling would yield an abundant water supply.

Our client chose the second option—risking a bigger bill in the hope of a life-changing water source.

“Sometimes you have to roll the dice when it comes to water. If you never try, you’ll always wonder.” – Harry

 

Re-Drilling the Hole

Because of the weekend pause, the bore partially collapsed. We had to drill it out again—meaning more time, effort, and yes, cost. After clearing the hole, we hammered down the steel casing to protect the entire sandy section.

Breakthrough: Striking the Aquifer

Sump Creation and Why It Matters

After we pushed beyond the bedrock, we drilled a bit deeper to create a sump—a mini chamber at the bottom of the bore to collect sediment. The sump ensures that any sediment has space to settle, preventing it from clogging the pump area.

The final depth was around 36 metres, the exact figure the diviner had predicted! If you’re intrigued by the traditional approach, check out How Does Water Divining Work – Aqua Bore Drilling.

Flow Rate Testing

It was time to blow air through the rods and see if we’d struck enough water to make the whole effort worthwhile. In the video, you’ll see that eureka moment: a geyser of water shooting out from the bore!

We measured the flow by timing how long it took to fill a 15-litre bucket. Once we did the math, it worked out to around 50 litres per minute—far more than the client’s pump capacity.

“Seeing water burst skyward is a feeling like no other. It’s that instant proof your investment paid off.” – Harry

 

 

Bore Well Cost Overview

Cost per Metre Breakdown

In most straightforward projects, drilling plus standard PVC casing runs about $200 per metre (including GST). However, if you encounter conditions that require steel casing, that cost can jump to $300 per metre for the casing portion alone (including welding and installation).

• Depth Drilled: 36m
• Basic Drilling Cost: ~$200 per metre
• Steel Casing Cost: ~$300 per metre
• Total: Varies depending on how many metres require steel

For more details, see our full cost breakdown at Cost – Aqua Bore Drilling.

Impact of Steel Casing

Because we had to reinforce almost 30 metres of sand, the final bill nearly doubled compared to an “ideal” scenario of stable ground. Despite the added expense, the client now has a reliable source of water—a game-changer for anyone living off-grid or tending livestock.

Bore Water vs Well Water

Water Quality Differences

In the video, the water gushing out at 36 metres looked clean—much clearer than expected. Still, we advise testing water for minerals or contaminants before regular use, especially for drinking. If you’d like more on water safety, visit our resource: Can You Drink Bore Water? Is Bore Water Safe to Drink? Everything You Need to Know – Aqua Bore Drilling.

Confined Aquifer Benefits

A “confined aquifer” is sandwiched between layers of rock, which can help filter the water naturally. This often translates to better water quality and higher pressure—both big wins for a property needing consistent flow.

My Personal Insights from the Field

Lessons Learned

1. Patience Rewards: “Good things come to those who wait—even if it means re-drilling a sandy hole twice!”
2. Budget Wisely: “Plan for contingencies. Drilling through tricky geology can inflate costs quickly.”
3. Teamwork and Communication: “When everyone—from the diviner to the welders—pulls together, magic happens.”

“I’ve drilled across countless terrains, but every project still teaches me something new.” – Harry

 

Tips for Farmers and Off-Grid Homesteads

• Check Permits: Always ensure you meet local regulations, especially if your property spans council boundaries.
• Consider a Sump: It might cost more upfront, but it can improve water quality in the long run.
• Read Up: Our Blog – Aqua Bore Drilling is packed with real stories and tips on bore well drilling and maintenance.

My Final Thoughts

Drilling a bore well in Australia—especially through 30 metres of sand—is no small feat. Our 36m journey was filled with suspense, setbacks, and a big decision: give up or risk more money for a chance at water. Ultimately, perseverance paid off when we tapped into a flow rate of 50 litres per minute, surpassing everyone’s expectations.

The entire story captured on video—from the first rotation of the drill to that final geyser of water—is a testament to the challenges and rewards of bore well drilling. If you’re considering your own project, remember that success often hinges on proper planning, a skilled drilling team, and yes, sometimes a bit of luck.

“Drilling isn’t just about hitting water; it’s about hope, resilience, and a vision for a self-sufficient future.” – Harry

FAQs

What is a bore well?
A bore well is a mechanically drilled hole that taps into underground aquifers. It’s typically narrower and deeper than traditional hand-dug wells, ensuring a more stable and cleaner water supply.

How much does it cost per metre?
Basic drilling can cost around $200 per metre, but if steel casing is required, that section can jump to $300 per metre. Check out Cost – Aqua Bore Drilling for a detailed breakdown.

How does water divining really work?
Water divining involves using rods (usually L-shaped) that supposedly react to underground water flow. While not scientifically proven, many folks swear by it. Learn more at How Does Water Divining Work – Aqua Bore Drilling.

How do I ensure my bore water is safe to drink?
Regular testing is crucial. We recommend annual or bi-annual water tests to check for contaminants or mineral levels. For more info, see Can You Drink Bore Water? – Aqua Bore Drilling.

Is a sump necessary in every bore well?
Not always, but a sump is highly beneficial if you’re drilling into deep aquifers or rocky layers. It helps settle sediment and protects your pump from clogging.

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