Your borehole isn’t producing as much water as it used to, and every drop feels like a struggle. A failing borehole can disrupt daily activities, increase costs, and even render an entire water system unreliable. Fortunately, there are practical and effective ways to boost your borehole’s yield and ensure a steady, sustainable water supply.
What is borehole water yield?
Borehole water yield refers to the amount of water a borehole can produce over a given period, usually measured in litres per minute or hour. In Ghana, this yield depends on several factors, including the type of rock formation underground, the depth of the borehole, and how quickly groundwater is replenished. Areas with hard rocks, such as granite, often have lower yields compared to areas with porous rocks that store more water. Proper borehole siting and development can significantly improve yield, ensuring a reliable water supply for households, farms, and businesses.
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Assessing Your Borehole Performance
Knowing how well your borehole is performing is essential for ensuring a reliable water supply. You can measure borehole yield by checking the flow rate (litres per second) over a set period or using a water meter. Signs of declining performance include reduced water flow, frequent pump failures, and muddy or discoloured water. If you notice these issues, it may be time for maintenance or improvements to restore efficiency.
Methods to Increase Borehole Water Yield
1. Borehole Cleaning and Maintenance
Over time, boreholes can experience reduced water flow due to sediment buildup and mineral deposits. Regular cleaning helps remove these obstructions, allowing water to flow more freely. Additionally, bacterial contamination can affect water quality, making disinfection an essential part of maintenance. By routinely cleaning and treating your borehole, you can improve its yield and ensure a safe, reliable water supply.
2. Deepening the borehole
Many boreholes start with a good water supply but gradually produce less due to seasonal changes or increased demand. Deepening the borehole can help access deeper underground water sources, ensuring a more reliable yield. This method is especially useful in areas where shallow aquifers dry up quickly, but it comes with risks such as higher drilling costs and potential changes in water quality. Before deepening a borehole, it is important to consult a professional hydrogeologist to assess the feasibility and avoid unnecessary expenses.
Do you need a borehole? Contact us on 054 702 4379/ 059 393 4019
3. Installing the Right Pump System
Many Ghanaians struggle with low borehole water yield simply because they have the wrong pump installed. A pump that is too powerful can over-extract water and damage the borehole, while a weak pump may not draw enough water to meet your needs. Selecting the right pump based on borehole depth, yield, and water demand is crucial for efficiency. Additionally, adjusting the pump settings—such as flow rate and pressure—ensures optimal performance and prevents unnecessary strain on the system.
4. Hydrofracturing (Hydraulic Fracturing)
Hydrofracturing is a technique used to increase the yield of low-producing boreholes by injecting high-pressure water into the rock formations to open up existing fractures. This process allows more groundwater to flow into the borehole, improving water supply. It is particularly effective in hard rock areas, which are common in many parts of Ghana, where natural fractures may be clogged or too small. However, not all boreholes are suitable for hydrofracturing, so a professional assessment is needed to determine if this method will work for your specific location.
5. Developing the Borehole Properly
Many boreholes underperform because they are not properly developed after drilling. Borehole development is essential to remove drilling debris, improve water flow, and prevent clogging. Techniques such as airlifting and surging help clean the borehole and enhance its connection to underground water sources. Proper development ensures a higher yield and a longer-lasting borehole, making it a crucial step for anyone relying on borehole water.
Do you need a borehole? Contact us on 054 702 4379/ 059 393 4019
6. Increasing Groundwater Recharge
In Ghana, frequent dry seasons and over-extraction can deplete groundwater levels, making boreholes less productive. To increase borehole yield, it’s essential to adopt sustainable water use practices, such as reducing waste and managing extraction rates. Rainwater harvesting can also help by collecting and storing rainwater for gradual infiltration into the ground. Additionally, artificial recharge methods, like directing runoff into recharge wells or ponds, can replenish groundwater and improve borehole performance over time.
Preventive Measures for Long-Term Efficiency
Here are four main things to do under Preventive Measures for Long-Term Efficiency:
- Regular Monitoring and Maintenance – Schedule periodic inspections to check for clogging, sediment buildup, and pump efficiency.
- Avoiding Over-Extraction and Ensuring Sustainability – Regulate water usage to prevent aquifer depletion and allow natural recharge.
- Protecting the Borehole from Contamination – Keep the borehole area clean, properly seal the casing, and prevent surface pollutants from seeping in.
- Improving Groundwater Recharge – Implement rainwater harvesting, recharge wells, or land conservation techniques to maintain a stable water table.
Do you need a borehole? Contact us on 054 702 4379/ 059 393 4019