Borehole Drilling
- Shiva EA Drip Experts LTD offers Borehole drilling and its services Across Kenya and E.A countries.
Borehole drilling is the process of creating a narrow shaft in the ground to access underground water resources. These wells, also known as boreholes, provide a reliable and often cleaner source of water for various purposes, including domestic use, irrigation, industrial activities, and livestock watering. - Shiva EA Drip Experts LTD borehole Drilling Services a comprehensive borehole drilling service typically includes several key stages:
Hydrogeological Survey: This initial step. We have a team of qualified hydrologists that involves a hydrogeologist assessing the area to determine the most suitable location for drilling, the potential depth of the water table, and the expected water yield. Techniques like resistivity methods or vertical electrical sounding (VES) are used to understand the subsurface geological formations. This survey helps in estimating the chances of finding water and the potential quality. The cost of such a survey in Kenya ranges, depending on the location.
* Acquisition of Licenses and Permits: In Kenya, the Water Resource Authority (WRA) regulates the use of all water resources and issues borehole drilling licenses. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) license from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) might also be required. Obtaining these permissions is a crucial step before drilling can commence. - We do Site Preparation: Once the location is identified and permits are secured, the drilling site is prepared. This may involve clearing vegetation and ensuring access for the drilling rig and associated equipment.
- Borehole Drilling: This is the core of the service, utilizing specialized drilling rigs and techniques to create the borehole. The choice of drilling method depends on the geological conditions of the area. Common methods include:
- Air Drilling (Pneumatic Percussion Drilling): Uses compressed air to remove cuttings and cool the drill bit. It is faster and suitable for stable, rocky formations,
- Mud Rotary Drilling: Employs drilling fluid (mud) to stabilize loose soil and carry cuttings to the surface. It is ideal for unstable and soft ground but due to the need for chemical additives.
- Other methods like manual drilling (for shallow wells in soft formations), auger drilling, cable tool drilling, and down-the-hole (DTH) drilling may also be used depending on the specific situation.
- Borehole Casing: To prevent the borehole from collapsing and to ensure water quality by preventing contamination, casings (usually made of PVC plastic or steel) are installed. The cost of casing varies depending on the material and the depth of the borehole.
- Gravel Packing: In some cases, gravel sand is applied between the borehole walls and the casing to help filter the water and improve well efficiency.
- Well Development (Flushing and Cleaning): After drilling and casing, the borehole needs to be cleaned of all drilling debris. This process, known as flushing, involves pumping water under pressure to remove any remaining chippings and sediment.
- Test Pumping: This crucial step determines the borehole’s yield (the amount of water it can sustainably produce) and the drawdown (the lowering of the water level during pumping). The data collected helps in selecting the appropriate water pump.
- Water Chemical Analysis: A sample of the borehole water is tested to determine its quality and suitability for the intended use. This analysis identifies any contaminants and helps in deciding if water treatment is necessary. .
- Borehole Equipping: This involves the installation of the water pump (submersible electric, solar, or diesel pumps are common), pipes (uPVC or HDPE depending on depth), and any necessary control systems.
- Auxiliary Services: Some service providers also offer additional services like water tower construction, power installation for the pump, and even design and installation of irrigation systems.
Factors Affecting Borehole Drilling Costs
The total cost of borehole drilling can vary significantly based on several factors: - Depth of the Borehole: Deeper boreholes require more time, labor, and materials, l. In Kenya, boreholes can range from 100 to 300 meters deep.
- Geological Conditions: Hard rock formations are more challenging and time-consuming to drill through, increasing costs. Soft or loose ground may require more extensive casing and stabilization.
- Location: Remote areas may incur higher mobilization costs for the drilling equipment and personnel. Costs can vary between counties in Kenya, for example, Nairobi and Kajiado might have a lower minimum.
* Casing Type: Steel casings are generally more durable but also more expensive than PVC casings. - Shiva EA Drip Experts LTD offer services like hydrogeological surveys, environmental impact assessments, test pumping, water quality analysis, and borehole equipping are included.
Shiva EA Drip Experts LTD Estimated Costs in Kenya.
Based on available information from Shiva EA Drip Experts LTD, the cost of drilling a borehole in Kenya can range from approximately KES 5,000 to KES 15,050 per meter, depending on the drilling method (air vs. mud). The total cost, including drilling and other essential services, can vary significantly, depending on the depth.
