Your Water Boring Specialists in Victoria
Water Bore Drilling
Every drilling project is important to us. We work hard to protect your groundwater supply so that it will be available to your family for generations to come.
Considering a Water Bore?
A water bore can drought-proof your property and provide clean, contaminant-free water.
North West Drilling is a leading provider of water bores for domestic, commercial and industrial customers across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
There are many factors to take into consideration when considering a water bore, such as;
Groundwater quality
Quantity
Depth
The geology in your area
The cost of the overall project
Besides the above points, some other factors to consider when choosing drill sites are:
- Access for the drilling equipment,
- Access for pump equipment,
- The ability to handle drill spoil/waste,
- Available nearby water supply
- Underground and overhead services,
- Easements, nearby waterways, nearby effluent runoff etc.
Have us conduct a free site inspection to help you make an informed decision.
How North West Drilling Can Help
You can trust North West Drilling for a wide range of water bore services, including installation, rehabilitation, maintenance and decommissioning work.
Domestic and Stock Water Bore Installation
We can set up a water bore on your property for residential or agricultural purposes, including household needs or livestock feeding. For many, a residential bore provides peace of mind and added water security.
Commercial or Irrigation Water Bore Installation
We also drill water bores for commercial and industrial clients. These bores are often deeper or larger in diameter than domestic or stock water bores and may require a little more research and preparation. Contact us for more information.
Water Bore Rehabilitation and Maintenance
We can help restore performance and extend the operational lifespan of a water bore through a range of actions, including bore cleanouts, repair work, and addressing issues like pump failures or sediment build-up.
Water Bore Decommissioning
We also decommission bores if they are unused or pose a risk of contamination. We remove equipment, backfill the bore with materials like cement or Bentonite clay, and cap it in compliance with environmental and regulatory standards.
The Water Bore Drilling Process
If you work with North West Drilling on a water bore project, this is what you can expect from the process.
Step 1: Contact Us
Firstly, our customers get in touch with us via phone, email, or our website contact form. We can answer your questions, offer an early indication of the likely groundwater conditions on your property, and provide a rough price estimate.
Step 2: Free Site Inspection
We must inspect the site in order to provide you with a more accurate quote. We need to identify a suitable drilling location and make sure our equipment is suitable for your project.
Step 3: Drilling Commences
Once drilling has begun, we will be in contact with you throughout the job to keep you up to date with our progress. You are welcome to watch and ask questions so that you fully understand the process and art of water bore construction.
Step 4: Water Bore Construction
As drillers we have a responsibility to construct bores in a way that prevents contamination of the groundwater resource and protects it for future generations. All our bores are constructed according to the “Minimum Construction Requirements for Water Bores in Australia Edition 3”as specified by your relevant water authority.
Step 5: Pump and Equipment Set Up
After drilling, and with further consultation, we will recommend a pumping depth and suitable extraction rate tailored to your bore. This is based on the standing water level and the flow rate of water. We can refer you to a range of reputable pump contractors to install your bore pump.
Step 6: Ongoing Maintenance and Support Where Required
In addition to drilling and installing water bores, our team can provide assistance with ongoing maintenance, rehabilitation and repair work. We also decommission water bores if they are no longer needed, have become contaminated, or present a risk to human safety or the environment.
The Benefits of Water Bore Drilling
If you have a water bore, you may consider it a necessity for your home or business, whereas others may see them as a luxury – particularly in domestic settings.
Here at North West Drilling, we know they have a huge range of benefits.
Reliable Water Source
People with water bores love them for their reliability. A bore is another water supply option during droughts and your typical dry, summer periods. Normally a much cleaner and better option than the dam water.
Own Your Water Supply
Water bores reduce people’s reliance on public water systems. Water bores provide a consistent and independent water source and a useful backup to public shortages or restrictions.
Save on Costs
Water bores are also known to be relatively cost-effective. Although it can be a hefty cash outlay at first, they can lower the cost of bills and reduce the need to purchase water. Town water becomes very expensive over time, particularly in agricultural settings where large water quantities are needed.
Environmental Benefits
Having a water bore will minimise environmental impacts to surface water sources, like rivers and dams. Having livestock drink bore water from troughs and keeping them out of the water reserves will keep your property, water ways and animals in better condition in the long term.
Increase Property Value
As a built-in independent water source, a water bore is an asset that can increase the value of a property and provide a selling point for future buyers.
Considering a water bore for your property?
Get in touch for a free quote and site inspection.
Have a question? We’re here to help.
Do I need a permit to drill a water bore in Australia?
You will require a permit to have a water bore constructed on your property.
Domestic and stock, investigation and observation permits can be easily obtained online through your local water authority, with same-day approval in most cases. The cost for a stock and domestic permit is a one-off fee of $241.00.
Permit information can be found HERE
How do we determine the best location for a bore?
Before we start drilling, we will work with you to make some key decisions, including a suitable location for your bore. One of the main things we’re looking for is good access for the drill rig, which is mounted on a heavy rigid truck. The bores location must also be away from contaminated sites like effluent drains, old wells, easements etc.
Some people opt to have a water diviner come to choose their bore site for them.
What type of pump will I need?
The most popular way to extract the ground water from a bore is with a submersible electric bore pump. This can be a 240 volt pump or solar. Once the bore has been drilled, we will recommend a depth to set your pump at, and a maximum extraction rate based on the flow rate of the bore. We can refer you to a reputable pump contractor in your area.
How long will the groundwater last?
We cannot guarantee the quantity or quality of the water in your bore.
Depending on the bore and your requirements, we normally recommend you pump a maximum of about ½ to 2/3 of the bores tested flow rate.
This step can help to ensure the bore water will be available to you and your neighbours for years to come.
Will the water be good enough to drink?
As fresh and sweet as your spring or bore water may seem, there is always a risk of contaminants and the water may simply be too mineraly for you to safely drink in the long term.
We recommend regular water testing from ALS Environmental in Scoresby.
What is the water bore drilling cost per metre?
The cost of water bore drilling can vary considerably based on a range of factors, including depth of the bore, the geology, site access etc. For a free quote, including estimates for the cost per metre or the total project cost, get in touch with our friendly team.
Why Choose North West Drilling?
Genuine Interest
Our services are driven by a genuine interest in groundwater and geology. We believe we have a responsibility to protect groundwater supplies and preserve them for future generations.
Care for Groundwater
To protect the water supply as best we can, we typically recommend a pumping rate that will not “over pump” or deplete the bore water. Maintaining the recommended pump rate helps keep the bore in action for years to come.
Licensed and Trained
We are fully licensed and members of the Australian Drilling Industry Association. We drill and construct our bores in accordance with the minimum construction requirements for water bores in Australia.
Advanced Equipment
Our extensive collection of equipment includes a custom rotary drilling rig, a wide range of pumps and compressors, and trailers and trucks for installations and site clean-ups.
Ongoing Maintenance
Operating for long hours in harsh environments, drilling equipment requires constant attention. We carefully clean and maintain our equipment on a frequent basis.
Experience Counts
Trusted Equipment and Expertise
Drilling a water bore can be a tough, dirty and complex job. For the best results, it really pays to have a driller with experience and knowledge about the groundwater and geology in your area.
With over 45 years of experience behind us, the North West Drilling team has the qualifications, licences, and equipment to construct and maintain or decommission water bores in a range of locations and settings.
Contact Your Water Bore Specialists
Whether you’re interested in installing a new water bore for domestic purposes or planning a commercial or industrial drilling project, North West Drilling are your trusted specialists. With 45+ years in the business, we have the knowledge, expertise and equipment to get the job done.
If you’re based in Melbourne or regional Victoria, contact us to find out more information or to arrange a free quote or site inspection.
Even if you’re unsure whether your job is relevant, we encourage you to still get in touch. With a solid network of people from the industry, including a range of bore pump specialists, we can point you in the right direction.