Water Bore Drilling Ballina – Trusted Local Bore Drillers
Reliable groundwater solutions across Ballina, Lennox Head & surrounds. With over 25 years of experience, Aqua Bore Drilling delivers reliable, long-lasting water bores for homes, farms, and businesses in Ballina and throughout the Northern Rivers region.
Long-Term Water Solutions for Rural & Coastal Conditions
We design and drill premium water bores for domestic, agricultural, and commercial clients across Ballina, Suffolk Park, Lennox Head, and Byron hinterland. Whether you’re off-grid, farming, or just sick of water carting — we can help.
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Why Locals Trust Aqua Bore Drilling in Ballina
Aqua Bore Drilling is led by Harry Hensen, a highly experienced driller with over 25 years working across Northern NSW. Based in the Northern Rivers, Harry personally oversees every job — supported by a small, reliable team of operators and long-standing local contractors.
✔️Over 25 years’ experience in Northern NSW.
✔️Fast, affordable, and fully licenced service.
✔️12-month workmanship guarantee.
✔️Free quote, water assessments and transparent pricing.
✔️Family-owned and operated, based near Lismore.
✔️ Trusted in Lennox Head, Newrybar, Byron Bay, and surrounds
Our 3-Step Water Bore Process
1. Site Assessment & Quote: We determine the best location and depth for your bore.
We start by gathering key details about your property, including the terrain, intended use, and local water conditions. In some cases, a site visit may be recommended, but we’re often able to provide an accurate assessment remotely using mapping tools and our experience in the region.
From there, we’ll provide a clear quote and outline the proposed bore depth, location, and expected yield — with no hidden costs.
2. Drilling & Installation: We drill using modern equipment and secure the bore for long-term use.
Our team uses purpose-built, high-powered drilling rigs suited for Northern NSW soil conditions. Once drilling begins, we install a durable bore casing to protect the hole and ensure clean, reliable water access.
We manage the drilling end-to-end — efficiently, safely, and with minimal disruption to your property.
3. Water Testing, Setup & Licensing Support: We test the bore, assist with setup, and help you meet basic licensing requirements.
Once drilling is complete, we test your bore’s flow rate and clarity to ensure it meets expectations. We can also assist with connecting bore pumps, tanks, or irrigation systems if needed — or recommend trusted local installers.
In most cases, you may also need to register your bore or obtain a permit, especially for stock and domestic use. We can provide basic guidance on the NSW bore licensing process and help point you to the right contacts.
If your bore is for commercial use (e.g., farming, aquaculture, water bottling, etc.), more formal licensing is often required. Our team can help you understand the process and what’s required based on your location and intended use.
You’ll also receive a bore report, GPS coordinates, and any documentation needed for compliance.
Serving Ballina & Nearby Areas
Service Area: Ballina + Surrounds
Phone: 0428 270 956
Business Hours: Open 24hrs
Location: Northern Rivers
Google Profile: Aqua Bore Drilling Reviews
Tailored Bore Types for Every Need
Serving Ballina with world-leading affordable water bore drilling for 30 years
Production Bores
We construct bores of all types, for all situations and geologies.
The most common types of bores are:
- Stock and domestic (low-yielding) water supply bores
- Stock and domestic (low-yielding, non-flowing) bores (with electric submersible pump)
- Commercial (higher yielding) water supply bores
- Commercial (higher yielding, non-flowing, screened and gravel packed) bores
Wells
We are the experts in well drilling and well construction in NSW.
The term “well” is often used in place of “Bore” and can serve the same purpose. Ultimately our well drilling services offer world-leading affordable access to underground water to drought proof your property in all geologies and conditions with our world leading eco-friendly well digging technology.
Monitoring Bores
Monitoring bores are used to monitor water levels, water quality and monitor contaminants such as hydrocarbons, coliforms, pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals.
Monitoring bores are generally low-yield construction but provide for accurate water sampling and water measurements from a particular area of interest in an aquifer.
Sand Spears
Sand Spears are a type of bore used in shallow (less than 6m depth) unconfined aquifers.
Shallow installations are usually used for delivering low quantities of water for watering a garden for example.
Do I need a licence or permit for a water bore in Ballina?
In NSW, you don’t need a water licence for stock and domestic bores, but you must apply for a permit through State Water. This ensures the bore is registered and aquifers are protected. For commercial or irrigation bores, you’ll need a full Water Access Licence (WAL).
🔗 Apply for your NSW Permit Online
Can Aqua Bore Drilling help with permits?
Yes. We guide you through what applies based on your property’s location and intended use — especially in areas like Ballina, Lennox Head, Byron Bay, and surrounds.
How deep are bores in the Ballina area?
Bores around Ballina typically range from 30 to 90 metres, depending on the site’s geology. Coastal and hinterland conditions vary, and we tailor each project accordingly.
What’s the average cost to drill a bore in Ballina?
Costs typically range from $5,000 to $10,000 for domestic and small farm bores. Pricing depends on depth, location, and access.
Do you install pumps and tanks too?
We don’t directly install pumps but can advise on system selection and refer reliable local contractors for installation.
How much does a bore licence or permit cost in NSW?
The cost of a NSW bore licence or permit varies depending on the type of bore and its intended use. Stock and domestic permits typically incur a fee, while commercial licences may have additional costs. For a detailed estimate tailored to your location, including Grafton or Byron Bay, get in touch with our team.
What happens if I can’t get a licence for a commercial bore?
In some areas of Northern NSW, commercial bore licences may not be issued due to water resource limitations. In such cases, you may need to purchase an existing licensed bore. Aqua Bore Drilling can advise you on the best course of action.
Why choose Aqua Bore Drilling for bore services in Ballina?
Aqua Bore Drilling has been trusted for over 30 years by communities across Ballina and Northern NSW for our expertise, reliability, and local knowledge. From Ballina to Woodenbong, we ensure every client receives tailored solutions for their bore drilling and licensing needs.
How do I know if my property is suitable for bore drilling?
Before drilling, we assess your property’s geology to determine the likelihood of accessing groundwater. Factors such as soil type, rock formations, and location influence suitability. Aqua Bore Drilling provides site assessments for properties across Northern NSW, including Lismore, Grafton, and Byron Bay, to ensure successful outcomes.
What is the lifespan of a bore in Ballina?
A professionally constructed bore can last decades with proper maintenance. Factors like the quality of construction, the type of pump, and the water quality in areas like Ballina, Lismore, Mullumbimby, Evans Head, and Tenterfield affect its lifespan. Regular servicing ensures your bore remains reliable for years to come.
Can I use bore water for drinking in Ballina?
Bore water in Ballina and Northern NSW can generally be used for drinking. However, testing is essential to determine if the water is safe for human consumption. Aqua Bore Drilling can guide you on water testing and treatment options for bore water in areas like Ballina, Coraki, Casino, and Yamba.
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.