How Does Water Bore Drilling Work? Getting Your Water Bore is as easy as 1,2,3. Let’s Go!
Curious about how water bore drilling works and how it can provide a reliable water source for your property? At Aqua Bore Drilling, we specialise in making this process simple, efficient, and tailored to meet the unique needs of northern NSW and southern QLD. Our expert team will guide you through every step to help you unlock the benefits of sustainable water access.
Step 1: Indicative Quote
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The process begins with a free evaluation of your property’s geology. We assess the water table, aquifer locations, and the suitability of bore water for your needs. Whether you’re in the lush regions of northern NSW or the drier areas of southern QLD, we’ll design the perfect solution for your property.
Step 2: Licensing
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Navigating the licensing process is crucial for ensuring compliance with regulations in both northern NSW and southern QLD. Bore water works best when the project adheres to local environmental and legal guidelines. Aqua Bore Drilling simplifies this step by managing the necessary permits for you.
Step 3: Drilling & Construction
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Once the groundwork is set, the drilling and construction phase begins. This is where the magic of bore water happens. Using state-of-the-art equipment, we drill into the aquifer and construct a durable, eco-friendly system designed to meet the specific needs of your property in northern NSW or southern QLD. Our experienced team ensures the entire process runs smoothly.
Backed with our 12 Month Guarantee
Our water bore construction is designed to last 50+ years and is backed with a 12 Month Guarantee.
How Does Water Bore Drilling Work?
Indicative Quote
Simply contact us and we will provide you with an indicative quote. Our fixed price per metre cost means you know exactly where you stand, whether its drought or rain.
Licensing
We even guide you with all the permits and licenses you need to make it truly headache-free and ensure your legal obligations are met.
Drilling & Construction
We locate a suitable site and construct your water bore to the required depth to access underground water. Once complete, you are issued with a final fixed price invoice.
What You Get
With Aqua Bore Drilling, you can expect:
- Tailored Solutions: Customised bore water systems to meet the unique needs of your property.
- Sustainable Access: Reliable water sourced from natural underground aquifers.
- Expert Guidance: A local team that understands the terrain and climate of northern NSW and southern QLD.
Watch Us Dig this Bore Well, Start to Finish
Water Bore Construction
Once we find a suitable bore hole location, we then set the rig up and start drilling.
Once we have intercepted suitable water and all cuttings have been cleaned out, the casing is installed and a water sample can be collected for testing. After the casing and screens have been installed a gravel pack is placed between the outside of the casing, and the inside of the hole.
On completion of the drilling process bore development is the next step. This may take from half an hour to several hours, depending on how fine the sand is in the aquifer. In solid formations like basalt, granite and sandstone this may not take long at all. Towards the end of this stage the bore flow is measured.
On completion the space between the casing and the bore hole is sealed with grout. Sealing from the surface down to 6m. This prevents contamination from surface runoff or sub surface contamination from septics.
FAQ
Do I need a license or permit in NSW?
In NSW, bore licensing is not necessary for stock and domestic bores, but you do need to obtain permit from state water.
In NSW, water bore drilling (sometimes called water boring) for stock and domestic bore water generally does not require a formal bore drilling license. However, you do need to obtain a permit from State Water. This is crucial for anyone planning a bore installation, bore water installation, or looking to create water bores via bore water drilling or borehole drilling. Even though stock and domestic bores are not typically licensed, specific permits may still be required depending on the bore hole location and intended usage. Always check the latest regulations with your local authority to ensure compliance before starting any water-related drilling project.
Do I need a license or permit in QLD?
In QLD, a landholder generally does not need a permit for a stock and domestic bore. However, it is the driller’s obligation to submit all details of the bore construction to the Department of Environment and Resource Management. In some areas, a license may be required for water bore drilling—particularly if you plan to intersect the sediments of the Great Artesian Basin. This requirement also applies to various forms of water bores, water boring, bore hole creation, and any other bore drilling projects that tap into bore water. If you’re considering a bore water installation or borehole drilling, consult with a qualified professional and the appropriate regulatory body to ensure compliance.
How does a water bore work?
When it rains, water that hits the earth is used by plants, runs off into waterways (creeks and rivers), and is partially evaporated. The remaining water soaks deeper and deeper into the ground under the force of gravity. It penetrates soil layers and finds its way into spaces and cracks within the rock—sometimes reaching depths of over 1,000 metres.
A water bore—created through water boring, bore drilling, or borehole drilling—is installed to access these deep groundwater reserves. By creating a bore hole, specialists performing water bore drilling or bore water drilling can tap into the underground water table, offering a reliable source of bore water for domestic, agricultural, or commercial use. Once the bore installation (or bore water installation) is complete, a pump system is typically fitted to bring the groundwater to the surface. Proper site assessment, planning, and compliance with local regulations ensure a safe, sustainable, and efficient water bores setup.
Where is a Bore Hole Installed?
Before borehole drilling—often referred to as water bore drilling, bore drilling, or water boring—begins, the first step is selecting a suitable site for your bore hole. This location should provide easy, unobstructed access for the drill rig, which is typically mounted on a heavy rigid truck. Ideally, your bore installation is close to a power source and away from daily traffic, ensuring safe and efficient bore water drilling. Many people consult a water diviner or hydrogeologist to pinpoint an area with plentiful underground reserves for bore water installation. By carefully choosing the ideal site for your water bores, you can tap into a reliable supply of bore water year-round.
How do you dig a water bore?
The process of installing a water bore—often called water bore drilling, bore drilling, water boring, or borehole drilling—begins by selecting the most suitable position for your bore hole. Once that site is determined, a drill rig is set up, and the team starts boring down to reach the underground water reserves. At this stage, the exact depth is unknown until suitable water is intercepted.
When water is located, any cuttings are cleaned out, and a casing is installed to stabilize the hole. A water sample is typically collected for testing to ensure bore water quality. Finally, once the casing and screens are in place, a gravel pack is applied between the outside of the casing and the surrounding formation. This step improves water flow and filters out sediment. The entire process is sometimes referred to as a bore water installation or bore installation, providing you with reliable access to groundwater through water bores.
What is your Bore Development Process?
Bore development is a critical step in constructing a water bore (or bore hole) and ensuring long-term efficiency for your bore water supply. Whether you’ve completed water bore drilling, bore drilling, borehole drilling, or water boring, this process helps remove fine sand and other sediments that might infiltrate the well. Different screen types are available for bore installation or bore water installation, but they generally require a gravel pack to prevent sand from re-entering the hole.
During bore development, we use compressed air to flush out any remaining sediment from the aquifer around the screen. The time needed can vary—anywhere from half an hour to several hours—depending on your local geology. For example, fractured basalt aquifers typically have less sand, so they clean up more quickly. Properly developing a bore extends the lifespan of your pump by preventing sand from filling the hole and causing damage. In other words, thorough bore development is essential to maximize the reliability and productivity of your water bores over the long term.
What paperwork do I receive for my borehole?
Once the borehole drilling (also called water bore drilling, bore drilling, or water boring) is complete and the bore installation (or bore water installation) is finished, the landholder is provided with a copy of the bore log. This log notes key details such as the standing water level and other required information for Office of Water NSW and the Department of Environmental Resource Management in QLD. These documents confirm the specifications of your bore hole, including depth reached, aquifer details, and evidence of regulatory compliance. Retaining this paperwork helps you verify the status of your bore water source and maintain proper records for your water bores.
What is a Bore Flow Test?
A bore flow test is a preliminary assessment carried out during or after water bore drilling, bore drilling, water boring, or borehole drilling to gauge how much bore water can be produced from a new bore hole. It’s typically performed when a noticeable amount of water is encountered, often while the bore is still being developed. Although it offers a rough estimate, it is not as accurate as a full pump test.
Because compressed air is often used to lift water to the surface, some back pressure may hold back the flow. As a result, most water bores could produce up to 20% more than what’s shown in a simple flow test once a proper pump is installed. A common way to conduct a bore flow test involves using a weir board—a flat sheet of steel with a “V” cut in it—allowing you to measure water flow against standard markings. Another straightforward approach is to time how long it takes to fill a bucket or container and calculate the flow rate.
A bore flow test can help guide the next steps in your bore installation or bore water installation process, but it should not replace professional testing or long-term monitoring to confirm your final yield and water quality.
What is the Standing Water Level?
The standing water level (SWL) is the height water naturally rises to in a bore hole (created via water bore drilling, bore drilling, water boring, or borehole drilling) when no pumping is occurring. Practically, it’s the distance from the ground surface down to the top of the water. Once pumping begins, the water level will drop, but it typically returns to the SWL once the pump is turned off.
During pumping, water in the aquifer forms a cone around the water bore, often called a “cone of depression.” The deepest part of this cone lies near the screens, where water is drawn in. Proper pump selection is crucial; if the pump capacity is too high, it can overdraw the water level, resulting in air being pulled in and possible damage.
In the case of an artesian bore water installation, the SWL may actually be above ground level, due to the natural pressure in the aquifer. Accurately identifying and monitoring the SWL is an essential step in designing an effective bore installation and ensuring a sustainable bore water supply.
How long does a borehole last?
A properly constructed borehole (installed through water bore drilling, bore drilling, or borehole drilling) can provide reliable bore water for at least 50 years, often with minimal maintenance in the early decades. Factors like the quality of the bore installation (or bore water installation), the aquifer’s conditions, and the skill of your drilling contractor all play a critical role in the bore hole’s lifespan. With thorough planning and expert water boring techniques, your water bores are more likely to remain free of sediment buildup and corrosion, ensuring long-term performance. Routine checks, an appropriately sized pump, and proper upkeep will help your borehole stand the test of time, delivering a valuable and cost-effective water source for decades.
Is it safe to drink bore water?
Whether bore water is safe to drink depends on local groundwater conditions and potential contaminants such as minerals, bacteria, or chemicals. In many cases, proper testing and treatment are needed to ensure safety for household use. For a more in-depth discussion, check out our guide:
Can You Drink Bore Water?
Can I safely drink bore water without any treatment?
Whether you can safely drink bore water without treatment depends on factors like location, aquifer composition, and geological conditions. Because bore water may contain various contaminants (minerals, bacteria, chemicals), treatment is frequently necessary before consumption. To ensure its safety, test and treat water from your bore hole according to local guidelines, and consult with water experts or health authorities. Even the best water bores (created through water bore drilling, bore drilling, or borehole drilling) can contain naturally occurring contaminants, so proper treatment and periodic testing are recommended.
For a deepp-dive into this subject, check out our guide:
Is it Safe to Drink Bore Water?
What are the benefits of a water bore?
- Drought-proof your property or investment: Installing a bore hole through water boring offers a reliable, year-round water supply, even during dry spells.
- Peace of mind: Having a personal source of bore water reduces dependence on municipal or surface water sources, mitigating the risks of water restrictions.
- Increases property value: A professionally completed bore installation—often called bore water drilling—can significantly enhance your land’s worth by providing a self-sustaining water option.
Clean. Renewable. Eco-Friendly.
Underground water is generally safer than surface water for drinking because of the filtration and natural purification process which takes place underground.