Borehole Water Usage: 20 Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Raeli Hydro
Boreholes have become one of the most reliable ways for Kenyan homeowners, farms, and commercial properties to secure a consistent water supply, especially in areas where piped municipal water is unreliable or unavailable. As borehole drilling specialists, Raeli Hydro regularly fields questions from clients about how borehole water should be used, stored, and maintained once drilling is complete. Below, Raeli Hydro answers the 20 most common questions about borehole water usage.
1. Is borehole water safe to drink straight from the source?
Not always. Raw borehole water can contain minerals, bacteria, or dissolved solids depending on the geology of the area. Raeli Hydro recommends water quality testing immediately after drilling and appropriate treatment — such as filtration, chlorination, or reverse osmosis — before the water is used for drinking.
2. How often should borehole water be tested?
Raeli Hydro advises testing borehole water at least once a year for general households, and every 3–6 months for commercial or agricultural use where water demand and contamination risk are higher. Testing should also be repeated after heavy rains or flooding, which can affect water quality.
3. Can borehole water be used for cooking?
Yes, provided it has passed a water quality test and undergone any recommended treatment. Untreated water with high mineral content or bacterial presence should not be used for cooking until properly filtered.
4. Is borehole water suitable for irrigation?
Borehole water is widely used for irrigation across Kenya and is generally suitable, though the salinity and mineral content should be checked, especially for sensitive crops. Raeli Hydro can advise on water suitability based on test results specific to your land.
5. Can I use borehole water for laundry and cleaning?
Absolutely. Most households use borehole water for laundry, dishwashing, and general cleaning without treatment, although very hard water (high in calcium and magnesium) may require a water softener to protect appliances and improve soap efficiency.
6. Why does my borehole water sometimes look cloudy or discoloured?
Cloudiness is often caused by sediment, iron, or manganese in the water, particularly after pump maintenance or during periods of heavy usage. Raeli Hydro recommends installing a sediment filter and, where iron content is high, an iron removal system.
7. Does borehole water need to be boiled before drinking?
Boiling is a good precaution if no other treatment system is in place, as it kills most bacteria and pathogens. However, boiling does not remove dissolved minerals or chemical contaminants, so it should be combined with filtration for the safest results.
8. How much water can a typical borehole supply per day?
Yield varies significantly depending on aquifer depth, geology, and borehole design, but many boreholes drilled by Raeli Hydro in Nairobi and surrounding regions produce anywhere from 1,000 to 10,000 litres per hour, depending on pump capacity and usage pattern.
9. Can borehole water run out?
Yes, if the aquifer feeding the borehole is overdrawn faster than it recharges, yield can drop, particularly during prolonged dry seasons. Proper borehole design and moderate pumping schedules help preserve long-term yield.
10. What is the difference between borehole water and well water?
Boreholes are drilled much deeper than traditional wells, often reaching confined aquifers that are less exposed to surface contamination. This generally makes borehole water cleaner and more consistent in supply than shallow well water.
11. How do I know if my borehole water is hard or soft?
Hard water typically leaves white mineral deposits on taps, reduces soap lathering, and can cause scaling in kettles and pipes over time. A water hardness test, which Raeli Hydro can arrange, gives an accurate reading and informs whether a softening system is needed.
12. Can borehole water damage household appliances?
Water with high mineral content or sediment can cause scaling and reduce the lifespan of water heaters, washing machines, and pipes. Installing appropriate filtration or a water softener at the point of entry helps protect appliances.
13. Is it necessary to install a storage tank for borehole water?
Yes, a storage tank is strongly recommended to buffer against pump downtime, power outages, and fluctuations in yield, ensuring a steady water supply even when the pump is not actively running.
14. How often should a borehole pump be serviced?
Raeli Hydro recommends annual servicing for submersible pumps under normal household use, and more frequent checks for boreholes supplying commercial, agricultural, or high-demand institutional properties.
15. Can I connect borehole water directly to my home’s plumbing system?
Yes, once treated appropriately, borehole water can be integrated directly into household plumbing. Many Nairobi homes run a dual system, using borehole water for general use and municipal or harvested rainwater as backup.
16. What causes a drop in borehole water pressure?
Pressure drops are commonly caused by pump wear, clogged pipes, sediment buildup, or a drop in the water table. A technical inspection can identify whether the issue is mechanical or related to the aquifer itself.
17. Is borehole water affected by drought?
Aquifer levels can drop during extended droughts, sometimes reducing borehole yield. Boreholes drilled to reach deeper, more stable aquifers tend to be more resilient during dry periods than shallow ones.
18. Can borehole water be used to fill a swimming pool?
Yes, though high mineral or iron content can discolour pool surfaces or affect chlorine balance, so testing and possible pre-treatment is advisable before using borehole water to fill or top up a pool.
19. Do I need a licence to drill and use a borehole in Kenya?
Yes, borehole drilling and water abstraction in Kenya require authorisation from the relevant Water Resources Authority, along with compliance with permitted abstraction limits. Raeli Hydro assists clients with the necessary permitting process as part of the drilling service.
20. How can I improve the taste of my borehole water?
Taste issues are often linked to mineral content, iron, or sulphur compounds naturally present in groundwater. Activated carbon filtration is commonly used to improve taste and odour, and can be combined with other treatment steps depending on test results.
Final Word from Raeli Hydro
Borehole water offers a dependable, long-term solution to water scarcity across Kenya, but getting the most out of it depends on proper testing, treatment, and maintenance. Raeli Hydro recommends that every borehole owner establish a routine testing and servicing schedule to keep water safe, appliances protected, and yield consistent for years to come. For borehole drilling, water testing, or maintenance support, Raeli Hydro’s team is available to guide you through every stage of borehole ownership.