The process of drilling a borehole begins with a hydrogeological survey. This survey is carried out to determine such factors as groundwater levels and hydraulic characteristics. Once the geologist is satisfied with the ground water potential, authorization to proceed is obtained from the Water Resource Authority (WRA).
This is followed by an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). If the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) is satisfied that the proposed drilling will not have undesirable impact on the immediate environment, the organization then issues a license. The drilling may then commence although in some cases one may require a no-objection letter from the local water services provider.
Preliminary works are statutory requirements that one has to complete before drilling works can commence.
Formalities
Please note that our permits department will be happy to assist you in acquiring the hydrogeological survey and the permits.
In order to commence the hydrogeological survey works and permits (WRA and NEMA), the following requirements are mandatory:
Mobilization of the Drilling Equipment is done once payment has been settled, our drilling equipment is mobilized from our operations site to the drilling site.
Upon reaching the site, our rig locates the area identified by the hydrogeologist as suitable for drilling. The machine uses a bit and a hammer to penetrate the ground and rods which further push the head of the drill towards the ground. The penetration continues until the drill reaches the required depth. The drill usually passes through a water-bearing formation as it is drilling. A casing of the borehole is usually done after the required depth is reached.
A pumping test is conducted to evaluate an aquifer by “stimulating” the aquifer through constant pumping, and observing the aquifer’s “response” (drawdown) in observation boreholes.
A pumping test will give us the results below which will assist us to size the required pump:
This stage is crucial as it conducts a chemical analysis of the water to determine is suitability for use. This is usually a 24-hour process.
Securing the borehole – Top Slabs are inserted and a cap is usually put on the borehole.
Water Collection – As per the client requests, we can also put up steel/plastic tanks and a water tower along with the required piping. We install a submersible pump system. The type of pump that is installed is dependent upon Pump testing results which will show the depth of the borehole, the flow, and pressure of the water.
Sparr Drilling Company Limited also provides geotechnical drilling services to help our clients determine ground conditions and soil formations.
Our geotechnical drillers and technicians are skilled, capable of drilling and installing monitoring wells and other devices, as well as providing a variety of soil and rock sampling techniques. If access is an issue, we have portable drilling equipment that can be carried by hand and used in tight spots, as well as rigs that are small enough to use indoors.
