Water bores are becoming popular both with property owners and site managers. This is why it is important to do some research if you are going to make the most out of it before having one installed in your property.
If you are someone who needs access to reliable and fresh water, water bores could be the answer to that. There are a lot of benefits of having water bores besides having an affordable and clean water source for your property.
You also don’t have to rely on other water supply because you already have your own, which is highly beneficial for people who are using a lot of water for their business. Having your own water bores mean you are in control of the water supply that you can benefit from.
What Are Water Bores?
Water bores are groundwater that can be accessed by drilling a bore into water storages of underground water diviners and then pumping them to the surface. They may contain microorganisms and chemicals which can be harmful. Some of the chemicals are natural, which can be found in rocks and soils, while there are some that can cause contamination.
Confined water diviners are deep underground which can help protect the water source. These kinds of water bores are typically covered by almost 20 metres of clay or rock, which acts as a natural filter, thus preventing microbial contamination. Shallow or unconfined ones are not protected by these layers which makes them susceptible to both microbiological and chemical contamination.
How Much Does It Cost to Put in a Water Bore?
The cost will greatly vary on the site’s accessibility and other factors, including proximity to state forests, contamination sources, and the substrate. In Queensland, the cost to put water bores in ones property can range from $5000 to around $15,000 depending on the ground conditions, depth, and the accessibility.
Do Bores Have to be Registered in QLD?
In Queensland, water permits, licences, and as well as fees are required for installing water bores. Licences are required to drill water bores and for interfering with the water’s flow. Any other large development works that will use water will require licences.
What Are Bores Used For?
In an urban setting, shallow water bores are not recommended to be used because of microbial or chemical contamination. Now, if you have no choice by to use shallow water bores, then testing requirements may be necessary. Testing will be more intense than deep water bores.
Depending on the characteristics of the local groundwater, raw water bores are suitable for a wide range of uses, including the following:
- Flushing toilets
- Washing clothes
- Irrigation
- Stock water supplies
Water bores that are treated, tested, and disinfected, these water bores are suitable for the following:
- Drinking
- Cooking
- Showering
Typically, water bores can become contaminated due to certain site activities from natural processes or neighbouring properties. Contamination is most likely to occur in water bores where the groundwater is almost at the surface. Here are some of the reasons why water bores can be contaminated and need treatment before they are safe to use:
- Agricultural fertiliser, pesticide, and chemical residues
- Fuel or chemical leakage or spills from tanks
- Stormwater with leached matter from disposal areas or waste holding
- Animal waste and poorly treated sewage
- Naturally occurring substances in the soil, including metals and salts
There are contaminants in water bores that can be detected easily through physical changes, including the following:
- Wilting or dying plants
- Abnormal sediment or colour in the water
- Foaming around sprinkler outlets
- Eye or skin irritation, unusual taste, including animal lose condition
- Rotten egg, petrol, sewage, or chemical smell
Water Testing
Water bores quality may change over a period of time. That is why after the first analysis of the water bores, it should be checked every after two years and should be monitored by the owner for any changes in water quality. If you are using shallow water bores, this means that they should be tested in a more frequent matter .
Preventing Water Bores Contamination
It is important to avoid water bores contamination and there are things that you can do to help prevent them. Here are some tips on how you can prevent them from becoming contaminated:
- Avoid excessive usage of chemicals, including fertilisers
- Keep your septic tanks well maintain and avoid discharging them within 50 metres of the water bores
- Seal the water bores to prevent surface water from contaminating ground water
- Use a device for back flow prevention
Water Bores in QLD
If you’re having second thoughts of installing your own water bores in QLD, be it residential, farming, industrial, or commercial property, then these 4 benefits will definitely convince you otherwise.
Long-Term Investment
Water bores are long-term investments. The reason behind this is because they may cost a lot upfront, but a property with constructed water bores should last at least fifteen years with maintenance and minimal to no costs during the said period.
Increases Value of Your Property
It can also be an asset to your property as it helps increase the value of your property. Having your own water bores means you will have your own water source during water shortage or drought, thus increasing the value of your property.
If you own a garden, you don’t have to worry about anything because you can maintain it at any time, even during drought season. Maintaining the look of your property will definitely attract more buyers if the time comes that you’re planning on selling it.
Helps You Save Money
Water bores may need a huge upfront cost, it can also help you save money in the long run. The reason behind this is because you will be able to cut down on using municipal water supply for huge consumptions, including watering your garden, topping your swimming pool or doing renovation and building projects that will require water.
Easy To Maintain
Water bores are very easy to maintain, especially if you contract a professional and well-respected water bore drilling company to help maintain checkups and maintenance.
Minimum Requirements for Water Bores in QLD
Queensland has a wide range of requirements for water bores construction and taking groundwater. These requirements are designed to help protect our groundwater resources and ensure that they are used efficiently and appropriately.
Approval
Before anything else, you need to get an approval to construct water bores. The requirements will depend on your location and the purpose of installing one. Typically, you will need a water entitlement or water licence to take underground water.
You will also need a development approval to construct water bores or any other related work. If the water bores are 6 metres deep, you will need to hire a licensed bore driller to carry out the activity.
Groundwater Assessment
Hire a drilling contractor or a private hydrogeological consultant to help you know the maximum depth of the water bores. They will also help you know the water quality and quantity, and the drilling sites in your area.
Water Bores Location
The location of your potential water bores should also be considered, including the possible source of pollution, property boundaries and proximity, and the source of power to drive the pump. The neighbouring water bores should also be location to avoid any interference, and service facilities including gas, telephone lines, and power.
Finding a Professional Driller
There are registered drillers around Queensland with the knowledge and expertise to help you with getting a water bore safely installed on your property.
Who Owns Bore Water?
Water bores can both be owned publicly or privately. Groundwater that is owned by Queensland can be distributed through a system. Privately owned water bores may allow unlimited access or sometimes limited products based on liability rules and land ownership.
More About Water Bore Drilling in QLD
There are different water bores in Queensland and the quality of water depends on these types, here are the two most common water bores for bore drillers:
Shallow Water Bores
Shallow water bores are not protected by thick layers of clay or soil. They are not recommended and are not a suitable source for drinking, especially in urban areas.
Deep Water Bores
Deep water bores can be used especially if it’s 20 metres below the ground. Typically, the microbiological quality of the water in confined or deep water diviners is very good. The water quality will remain if the water bores are constructed properly, and have adequate entry protection from surface water.
There may be some instances where the water can contain high concentrations of hazardous chemicals. That is why before using water bores, it is essential to get a chemical analysis of the water. This will ensure that your water is safe for drinking, cooking, and various other domestic uses.