Are you experiencing issues with your borehole?
You’re not alone.
According to recent Water Resources Authority (WRA) data, over 43% of boreholes in Kenya experience at least one significant problem within their first five years of operation.
At Bonvic Drilling, we’ve helped thousands of Kenyan property owners resolve their borehole challenges since 2005.
Need immediate borehole assistance? Call us at 0722167999 or WhatsApp at 0720545191 for 24/7 support!
Understanding Drilling and Construction Issues
Proper drilling and construction are the foundations of a reliable borehole. Unfortunately, this is where many problems begin. A Kenya Water Industry Association survey found that 37% of borehole failures stem from improper initial installation.
Common drilling and construction problems include:
Borehole Collapse During Drilling
This typically occurs in unstable formations where the borehole walls cave in before casing can be installed.
In areas with loose soil formations, like Coastal and North Eastern, we recommend using mud rotary drilling techniques to maintain borehole stability.
Improper Casing Installation
When casings aren’t properly joined or are made from substandard materials, they can crack or separate over time.
At Bonvic Drilling, we use only high-grade PVC and steel casings that meet Kenya Bureau of Standards requirements.
Inadequate Gravel Packing
Proper gravel packing prevents fine sand from entering your borehole.
In regions with sandy aquifers like coastal Kenya, we use specially graded gravel that matches the formation characteristics.
Poor Cement Grouting
Insufficient grouting leads to surface water contamination.
Our technicians ensure a complete seal between the borehole and surrounding soil, particularly critical in high-rainfall areas like Central Kenya.
PRO TIP: Always request to see your contractor’s drilling logs and well completion reports. These documents should detail the geological formations encountered and materials used during construction.
Also, read >>> How to Choose the Best Location for a Borehole on Your Property
Water Quality Challenges in Kenyan Boreholes
According to the Ministry of Water and Sanitation, approximately 28% of rural boreholes in Kenya have water quality issues that require treatment. Understanding these problems is the first step toward resolution.
Iron and Manganese Contamination
Common in Kenya’s central and western regions, these minerals give water a metallic taste and reddish-brown colour. Our field tests show levels exceeding 2.0 mg/L in many Nyanza and Western Kenya boreholes.
Bacterial Contamination
Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) studies show that E. coli and coliform bacteria are present nationally in 22% of private boreholes. This contamination often results from nearby pit latrines or poor wellhead protection.
Turbidity and Sedimentation
This issue is prevalent during rainy seasons and affects nearly 40% of boreholes in Kenya’s ASAL (Arid and Semi-Arid Lands) regions. Our specialised filtration systems can reduce turbidity by up to 95%.
Salinity Issues
Coastal regions and parts of Northern Kenya frequently encounter salinity problems. Recent groundwater mapping by the WRA shows TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) levels exceeding 2000 ppm in some coastal boreholes.
Call Bonvic Drilling at 0720545191 for comprehensive water quality testing and treatment solutions!
Mechanical and Operational Problems
Even well-constructed boreholes can experience mechanical failures. Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics indicates that mechanical issues account for approximately 35% of all borehole service calls.
Pump Failures and Malfunctions
Submersible pump failures are the most common issue, affecting about 31% of boreholes annually. Causes include:
- Power supply fluctuations (common in rural Kenya)
- Sand abrasion (particularly in the Eastern regions)
- Running pumps dry during drought seasons
Motor Burnout Issues
Electrical issues cause 26% of pump failures in Kenya. Our technicians are equipped with specialised testing equipment to diagnose electrical problems without removing the entire pump system.
Power Supply Problems
With inconsistent power in many rural areas, generator and solar backup systems are essential. Bonvic Drilling offers integrated power solutions that can reduce operational costs by up to 40%.
Control System Failures
Modern borehole systems rely on electronic controls that can malfunction due to power surges or environmental factors. Our control panels include surge protection designed for Kenyan power conditions.
PRO TIP: Install a simple hour meter on your pump system to track usage patterns. This inexpensive addition can help predict maintenance needs before catastrophic failures occur.
Yield and Performance Issues
According to hydrogeological surveys by the WRA, approximately 22% of Kenyan boreholes experience declining yields within 7-10 years of operation.
Declining Water Yield
If your borehole produces less water than when it was first drilled, several factors may be responsible:
- Aquifer depletion (common in over-drilled areas like Karen and Runda)
- Screen clogging (affects up to 30% of boreholes in high-mineral regions)
- Pump wear (typically reducing efficiency by 5-10% annually)
Seasonal Fluctuations
Data from our monitoring systems shows water table fluctuations of 5-20 meters between dry and wet seasons in Eastern Kenya. Proper borehole depth assessment is critical to ensure year-round water availability.
Over-pumping Consequences
Extracting water faster than the aquifer can recharge leads to permanent damage. Our smart controllers can regulate pumping rates based on seasonal conditions, extending borehole lifespan by up to 40%.
WhatsApp us at 0722167999 to schedule a yield test and assess your borehole’s performance!
Environmental and External Factors Affecting Kenyan Boreholes
Environmental conditions significantly impact borehole performance. Climate change has altered traditional rainfall patterns across Kenya, with the Meteorological Department reporting a 20% increase in extreme weather events over the past decade.
Drought Conditions
Extended dry periods, increasingly common in Kenya, can lower water tables beyond pump reach. Our deep-sensing probes can monitor water levels in real time, preventing dry running.
Flooding Effects
During heavy rains, surface contamination can enter boreholes through improperly sealed casings. In flood-prone areas like parts of Nairobi and Western Kenya, we recommend elevated wellhead constructions that sit at least 60cm above maximum flood levels.
Land Development Impact
Construction activities within 100 meters of your borehole can disturb aquifer dynamics. Recent urban development in counties like Kiambu has been linked to a 15% reduction in borehole yields in affected areas.
PRO TIP: Maintain a “borehole protection zone” of at least 30 meters around your wellhead where no construction, waste disposal, or chemical usage occurs.
Also, read >>> Why a Reliable Borehole is Key to Agricultural Success
Essential Preventive Maintenance for Kenyan Borehole Owners
Regular maintenance can extend your borehole’s lifespan by 10-15 years. A maintenance study by the Kenya Water Institute found that boreholes with quarterly professional inspections had 64% fewer major breakdowns.
Recommended Maintenance Schedule
- Monthly: Visual inspection of the wellhead and surroundings
- Quarterly: Electrical system check and water quality testing
- Annually: Comprehensive system evaluation, including camera inspection
- Every 5 years: Complete rehabilitation assessment
Water Quality Testing Protocols
Water quality can change seasonally. Bonvic Drilling offers affordable quarterly testing packages that track key parameters, including:
- Bacterial content
- Mineral levels
- pH balance
- Turbidity
Professional vs. DIY Maintenance
While owners can perform some checks, professional inspection is essential. Our maintenance contracts start from just Ksh 15,000 annually and can save hundreds of thousands in emergency repairs.
Schedule your professional borehole maintenance today! Call 0720545191 for our special first-time customer discount.
Diagnosing Borehole Problems Like a Pro
Recognising early warning signs can prevent catastrophic failures. Here’s what to watch for:
Warning Signs That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
- Decreased water pressure (potential pump issues)
- Changed water colour, taste, or smell (quality concerns)
- Unusual pump noises (mechanical problems)
- Air in water lines (dropping water levels or leaks)
- Increased electricity consumption (pump inefficiency)
When to Call Professionals
Don’t wait until you have no water! Contact Bonvic Drilling immediately if:
- Water appears cloudy or discoloured
- Pump cycles on and off rapidly
- Electric bills suddenly increase
- Water pressure decreases by more than 20%
Also, read >>> Borehole Drilling Priorities: Should You Focus on Cost, Speed, or Long-Term Efficiency?
Conclusion: Ensuring Your Borehole’s Longevity
With proper installation and maintenance, your borehole can provide clean, reliable water for 20+ years. The initial investment in quality drilling and components typically pays for itself within 3-5 years through reduced repair costs and consistent water supply.
At Bonvic Drilling, we’re committed to helping Kenyan property owners maximise their water resources. Our team of certified technicians serves all 47 counties with prompt, professional service backed by our industry-leading warranty.
Ready to resolve your borehole issues or plan a new installation? Contact us today!
📞 Call: 0722167999
📱 WhatsApp: 0720545191
🌐 Visit: www.bonvicdrilling.com
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Bonvic Drilling Ltd. is a licensed water service provider that provides professional borehole drilling, rehabilitation, and maintenance services in all counties of Kenya.
