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DRINKING WATER - BOREHOLES
V. Ryan © 2006 - 2009
 
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Drinking water is in very short supply in many regions of the world. People in drought effected regions of the world are well aware of the true value of drinking water, whilst in the western world drinking water is often wasted watering gardens and washing cars. However, in recent years, the increase use of drinking water in modern domestic devices such as dish washers, washing machines, WCs etc... means that Water Utility Companies are regularly warning of shortages or even of drought conditions. Consequently, the cost of drinking water is rising steadily. Furthermore, with global warming and the forecast disruption to rain patterns many people are turning to creating their own water boreholes. The number of individual households seeking permission to sink boreholes has grown dramatically in recent years.

   

   

PROCEDURE:

1. Carry out a geological survey in order to find a source of water.
2. Once permission has been granted by the authorities, drilling can take place. This can last a number of days and sometimes boreholes are up to 250 feet deep.
3. Pipes are then sunk and a filtration system added.
4. Electrical pumps, a control unit and a variety of electric motors and valves are set up at the surface.
5. Debris is removed from the new borehole by forcing water down the pipes and then back up.
6. The purity of the water is tested and then it is ready for use.

   

The average cost for boring a waterhole is between £4000 and £5000 pounds. But this means that the householder has access to pure drinking water and does not pay fees to a water supply company. Also, deep aquifers do not run dry even in draught conditions.

   
 
   
COMPLETED DRINKING WATER BOREHOLE
   

The completed borehole is shown below. The main pipe has a filter at the bottom which removes basic impurities. The motorised pump at the top of the pipe pumps the water from the bottom of the pipe to the top and then along the pipe to the house. A filter above ground removes further impurities.

   

   
 
   

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