Water Bore Drilling Mistakes To Avoid

Like everything that you do to improve your home or property – You want to ensure you hire the best trades or professionals to get the job done right.
The same thing is also true when getting a water bore drilled.
It is important that you use someone who is local and experienced in your region.

It is not as simple as starting to drill and then hope that you hit water!

When it comes to water bore drilling, it needs to be done correctly the first time or you will end up with expensive and time-consuming repairs, which could have been avoided if the project had been managed properly.

Always Use Experienced Bore Drillers

When drilling a water bore in South East Queensland, it is important to always use experienced bore drillers. Experienced drillers have the necessary expertise to properly locate the best spot to drill the bore, assess the soil and rock conditions, and select the appropriate drilling methods to avoid potential hazards such as collapsing boreholes.
They also understand the local regulations and environmental considerations involved in bore drilling.

Not conducting proper site investigations

Before drilling a water bore, conducting a proper site investigation is essential to determine the best location for the bore. This investigation should include assessing the area’s geology, the water table’s depth, and the potential for contaminants. Failing to conduct a proper site investigation can result in drilling in an unsuitable location, leading to a dry well or a low-yield bore.

Some potential issues that can arise from not conducting proper site investigations include the following:

• Drilling in an area with insufficient groundwater: If the water table is too low or the aquifer is too small, the bore may not produce enough water to meet the project’s needs. This can result in additional costs to drill a new bore or to truck in water.
• Drilling in an area with high levels of contamination: If the site investigation fails to identify potential sources of contamination, the bore may be drilled in an area with high levels of pollutants or contaminants. This can result in contaminated water that is unsuitable for use.
• Drilling in an unstable location: If the site investigation fails to identify unstable soil or rock formations, the bore may be drilled in an area that is prone to collapse or other geological hazards. This can result in damage to the borehole or equipment and can also pose a risk to workers on the site.

Using the wrong drilling equipment

Using the wrong equipment for water bore drilling can lead to a series of issues, including increased costs, longer drilling times, and damage to the equipment or the borehole itself. When choosing the right equipment for a water bore drilling project, keep the following in mind:

• The depth of the borehole: Different drilling equipment is designed to handle different depths. If the drilling equipment is not rated for the depth of the borehole, it can result in increased drilling times and higher costs.
• The type of formation being drilled: Different formations (such as sand, clay, or rock) require different drilling methods and equipment. Using the wrong equipment can damage the borehole or the equipment and affect the water quality.
• The borehole size: Different equipment is designed for different borehole diameters. Using equipment that is too large or too small for the borehole can result in damage to the borehole or the equipment.
• The location of the borehole: Different drilling equipment is designed for different types of terrain, such as flat land or hilly terrain. Using the wrong equipment can damage the equipment or the terrain and can also affect the drilling process.

Therefore, call an experienced water bore drilling company with the right equipment for the job. They can help you select the right equipment for your specific project based on the site conditions, water needs, and other factors.
Using the right equipment ensures that your water bore drilling project is completed safely, efficiently, and within budget.

Failing to use proper drilling techniques

Failing to use proper drilling techniques during a water bore drilling project can result in a range of issues, from damaged equipment to a low-yield borehole. Proper drilling techniques can also ensure that the borehole is drilled safely and efficiently. Here are some common drilling techniques that should be employed during a water bore drilling project:

• Mud rotary drilling

This drilling technique uses a circulating mud fluid to lubricate the drill bit and flush out cuttings. Mud rotary drilling is suitable for drilling through unconsolidated formations, such as sand and clay.

• Air rotary drilling

This drilling technique uses compressed air to drive a drill bit and flush out cuttings. Air rotary drilling is suitable for drilling through hard rock formations.

• Reverse circulation drilling

This drilling technique uses a circulating fluid to drive cuttings to the surface. Reverse circulation drilling is suitable for drilling in areas with loose formations or large-diameter boreholes.

• Percussion drilling

This drilling technique uses a heavy hammer to drive a drill bit into the ground. Percussion drilling is suitable for drilling through rock formations.

• Diamond drilling

This drilling technique uses a diamond-impregnated drill bit to cut through hard rock formations. Diamond drilling is suitable for drilling in hard rock formations.

Using the right drilling technique for the specific geological conditions of the site is crucial for the success of a water bore drilling project. Failure to use proper drilling techniques can lead to poor borehole quality, damage to the borehole or equipment, and increased costs.
By working with an experienced drilling company who knows the geological conditions for your proper’s region, you know the best drilling technique will be used.

Improper Bore Development

Water bore development refers to the process of preparing a newly drilled water borehole for use by removing any obstructions, debris, and fine sediment that may have accumulated in the borehole during drilling.
It is essential to ensure that the borehole can deliver clean water with adequate water yield for its intended purpose.

The development process involves several steps, including pumping water from the borehole to remove the drilling mud and other debris, installing screens or casings to prevent the borehole from collapsing, and flushing the borehole with high-pressure water to remove any remaining sediment and improve the permeability of the surrounding rock.

1. Insufficient development time: The length of the water bore development process can vary depending on the site’s geology and the borehole’s size. Rushing the process can result in a poorly developed well that produces water at a lower rate.

2. Using the wrong development method: Different development methods, such as air-lifting or pumping, are used to remove different types of materials from the borehole. Using the wrong method can lead to incomplete development and reduced water yield.

3. Not cleaning the borehole properly: Failing to clean the borehole thoroughly can leave behind debris that can clog the bore screen or decrease water quality.

To avoid these mistakes, contact a qualified water bore drilling contractor with bore development experience. They can ensure that the well is properly developed to ensure maximum water yield and quality.
Regular bore monitoring and testing can also help to ensure that the well is functioning properly over time.
A bore clean out may also be required during the water bores lifetime.

Inadequate Knowledge of Local Regulations

Failing to comply with local regulations during a water bore drilling project can result in fines, legal issues, and environmental damage.
Each region of Australia has specific regulations and guidelines for drilling a water bore, including requirements for permits, drilling depth, water quality testing, and environmental protection measures.

Welcome to Cross Country Drilling!

Cross Country Drilling experts based on the Sunshine Coast have experience in drilling water bores for over 20 years in different geological conditions servicing Queensland and New South Wales.
We can effectively,provide you with a reliable source of water for your needs and give you a customized drilling solution to suit your project’s specific requirements.

Get in contact with our team and we can discuss what type of water supply or water bore you need for your home or property!