Understanding the borehole drilling process removes uncertainty and helps you hold contractors accountable. This guide breaks the entire process into 7 clear steps, from the initial geophysical survey through to final commissioning and handover. Whether you're drilling in Sandton's granite or Benoni's shale, the fundamental process is the same — and so is the reason no honest installer can give you an all-in price on the first call.
Process Overview: Survey to Water in 2–6 Weeks
A residential borehole project typically takes 2–6 weeks from the initial survey to flowing water where no municipal drilling permit is needed. In Johannesburg, permit approval (2–4 weeks) and lab results (7–14 days) stretch that to 6–12 weeks. Contractor availability and geology account for the rest. Here's the full picture:
| Step | Activity | Duration | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Geophysical Survey & Site Assessment | 1 day | R5,000–R10,000 |
| 2 | Permits & Registration | 1–2 weeks | R0–R2,000 |
| 3 | Rig Mobilisation & Site Preparation | 1 day | R2,000–R5,000 (transport) |
| 4 | Drilling | 1–3 days | R320–R1,500/m (R19,200–R90,000 for 60 m) |
| 5 | Yield Testing & Water Quality Analysis | 24–48 hours | R3,000–R8,000 |
| 6 | Equipment Installation | 1–2 days | R25,000–R60,000 |
| 7 | Connection, Handover & Commissioning | 1 day | R5,000–R15,000 |
| Total project (60 m borehole) | 2–6 weeks (6–12 with a Joburg permit) | R59,200–R190,000 | |
For detailed costs by suburb and geology, see our Gauteng suburb pricing guide or the national cost guide.
Why Nobody Can Quote an All-In Price Upfront
Drilling is priced per metre, and the depth is only known once a survey has been done on your property. Groundwater depth varies sharply, sometimes within one suburb: a property in Midrand might reach water at 40m while one 2km away in Sandton needs 80m. Any all-in figure given before a survey is an estimate, and the risk of it being wrong sits with you.
That is why a borehole is quoted in stages, each one unlocked by the last:
- Survey — paid upfront, and usually not refundable. It tells you whether a borehole is viable before you commit to the rest.
- Drilling — quoted per metre once the survey gives an expected depth.
- Installation — quoted after drilling, because pump size and depth depend on the yield actually measured.
- Water test — sent to a lab once the borehole is flowing.
- Filtration — priced only after the lab results say what, if anything, needs treating.
This also means you don't need the full amount available on day one. Permits sit alongside all of this: skipping them is what led to the Gautrain tunnel incident in Killarney.
Step 1: Geophysical Survey & Site Assessment
A hydrogeologist uses electromagnetic or resistivity equipment to map underground water-bearing fractures. This is the most critical step — it determines where to drill and gives you an expected depth and yield estimate. A good survey dramatically improves the chances of a successful borehole (85–95% success rate vs. 50–60% without).
💡 Tips
- Always insist on a geophysical survey before drilling — never let a contractor drill "by feel"
- Ask the surveyor for a written report with recommended drill point, expected depth, and anticipated yield
- Surveys identify multiple potential drill sites, so you have a backup if the primary site underperforms
Step 2: Permits & Registration
In the City of Johannesburg, a drilling permit, hydrogeological study, and prior notification to City Power, Joburg Water, EMS, and JMPD are legally required before drilling begins. Other municipalities require DWS registration. Skipping permits can result in criminal prosecution and civil liability. Your registered installer should manage this process.
💡 Tips
- Ask your contractor if they handle permits — reputable companies include this in their service
- Keep the registration certificate safe — you'll need it if you ever sell your property
- In Johannesburg, budget 2–4 weeks for permit approval before drilling can begin
- Some estates add their own layer: Kyalami Estate requires a government permit, and fast-track processing costs roughly R7,000 on top of the standard CoJ process
Step 3: Rig Mobilisation & Site Preparation
The drilling rig (a large truck-mounted unit) is transported to your property and positioned at the survey-recommended drill point. Access roads need to accommodate a heavy vehicle, and the area around the drill point must be cleared. This typically happens the morning of drilling day.
💡 Tips
- Ensure there's vehicle access for a large truck — gates of at least 3m wide and firm ground
- Clear a 5m radius around the drill point of any obstacles, plants, or garden furniture
- Inform your neighbours — drilling rigs are loud and the work runs all day
Step 4: Drilling
The core of the operation. Three main drilling methods are used: percussion (hammer) drilling for hard rock like granite, rotary drilling for softer formations, and Odex drilling for unstable or dolomitic ground. The rig drills through earth and rock until it reaches the water-bearing fracture zone identified by the survey. Drilling is quoted per metre, and only once the survey has given an expected depth. The two dated quotes we hold (Pretoria and the KZN South Coast, 2026) are both R320/m; published estimates for Johannesburg's granite and the West Rand's dolomite run to R1,500/m.
💡 Tips
- Expect significant noise, dust, and water discharge during drilling — this is normal
- The driller will note water strikes (depth where water enters the borehole) as they go
- Hard granite areas typically take longer (and cost more per meter) than softer shale or sandstone
- Ask for a drilling log — this records all geological layers encountered and water strike depths
- Rates move with diesel prices. Ask whether your quote carries a fuel surcharge that can change before the rig arrives
Step 5: Yield Testing & Water Quality Analysis
After drilling, a pump test is conducted to determine the borehole's sustainable yield (how much water it can produce consistently). This involves pumping water out at increasing rates and monitoring recovery. A water sample is also sent to a laboratory for chemical and microbiological analysis to ensure safety for the intended use.
💡 Tips
- Insist on a minimum 24-hour pump test — shorter tests may overestimate sustainable yield
- Request a full SANS 241 water quality test if you plan to drink the water
- A useful panel covers bacteria (E. coli, coliforms), heavy metals (arsenic, lead, iron, manganese), pH, hardness and TDS, and nitrates. On the West Rand, ask about acid mine drainage indicators too
- Lab results take 7–14 days, so don't plan to drink the water the week drilling finishes
- Yield is measured in litres per second (l/s) — 0.5 l/s is sufficient for most residential homes
- Keep the test results — you'll need them to specify the right pump size
Step 6: Equipment Installation
Based on yield test results and your water requirements, the contractor installs the casing (steel or PVC pipes that line the borehole), submersible pump, rising main (pipe to surface), electrical connections, pressure tank, and any filtration equipment. A concrete collar is placed around the borehole head for sanitary protection.
💡 Tips
- Pump size must match yield — an oversized pump can damage the borehole aquifer over time
- Ask for stainless steel casing below the water table for longevity (adds R50–R100/m)
- Ensure the borehole cap is lockable and sealed against contamination
- Request a schematic showing all installed components and their depths
- Filtration is quoted separately and only after the lab results: from about R5,000 for sediment plus UV to R60,000+ for reverse osmosis with iron removal
Step 7: Connection, Handover & Commissioning
The borehole is connected to your garden irrigation system, storage tank, or household plumbing (or a combination). The contractor should commission the system, test all connections, and walk you through operation and basic maintenance. You receive a complete handover pack including the drilling log, yield test results, water quality report, and equipment warranties.
💡 Tips
- Get the handover pack in writing — you'll need these documents for property transfers
- Test every endpoint (taps, sprinklers, tank filling) before signing off
- Schedule a follow-up maintenance visit for 6 months after installation
- Ask about warranty terms — reputable companies offer 1–2 years on workmanship and 3–5 years on pumps
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Common Delays & How to Avoid Them
Most borehole projects run smoothly, but certain issues can add days or weeks. Here are the most common delays and how to prevent them:
Hitting harder rock than expected slows drilling and may require switching to percussion. Prevention: Always get a geophysical survey first.
Municipal permits can take 1–3 weeks in some areas. Prevention: Start paperwork before scheduling the drill date.
Low-hanging cables, narrow gates, or soft ground can block rig access. Prevention: Do a site walkthrough with the contractor before drill day.
Heavy rain can make sites inaccessible or unsafe for drilling. Prevention: Schedule during Gauteng's drier months (May–September) if possible.
Pump or casing supply shortages can delay installation by 1–2 weeks. Prevention: Ask your contractor to confirm stock before scheduling.
Hitting buried pipes, cables, or old foundations requires repositioning. Prevention: Check service plans with your municipality before drilling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drill a borehole?
The actual drilling typically takes 1–3 days depending on depth and geology. The full process from initial survey to handover takes 2–6 weeks where no municipal drilling permit is needed. In Johannesburg, where permit approval alone takes 2–4 weeks and lab results a further 7–14 days, plan for 6–12 weeks.
What happens if no water is found?
A dry borehole is uncommon when a proper geophysical survey is done first (85–95% success rate). If no water is found, most contractors charge only for drilling — you won't pay for pump and equipment. Some offer "no water, no pay" guarantees, though these typically come at higher per-meter rates.
Do I need a permit to drill a borehole?
Two separate things apply. Use of the water must be registered with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) under the National Water Act. Separately, your municipality may require a drilling permit before the rig arrives — in the City of Johannesburg a drilling permit, hydrogeological study, and prior notification to City Power, Joburg Water, EMS and JMPD are all required before drilling begins. Drilling without the required permits can result in equipment confiscation, criminal prosecution and civil liability, as the 2025 Gautrain borehole incident in Killarney demonstrated. Your registered installer should manage this process.
Can I drill anywhere on my property?
Not exactly. The borehole must be at least 50m from any septic tank, 10m from boundaries, and clear of underground services. The geophysical survey identifies the optimal location based on subsurface water fractures, which may not be where you'd prefer. Access for the drilling rig is also a key consideration.
Is drilling noisy?
Yes. Percussion drilling in granite can reach 80–90 decibels (similar to a lawnmower). Drilling runs 8–10 hours per day. Inform your neighbours in advance — most contractors provide a timeline so everyone knows what to expect.
How deep will my borehole be?
Depth depends entirely on your suburb's geology. Shallow areas like Benoni may only need 20–40m, while granite areas like Sandton often require 60–100m. A geophysical survey provides the best depth estimate before drilling.
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