Drilling a borehole is one of the smartest investments you can make for your home, farm, or business in Kenya.
However, the key to long-term success lies in choosing the best location for a borehole on your property.
A poorly chosen site can result in low water yields, contamination, high drilling costs, or complete failure.
This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about identifying the most suitable spot for your borehole.
1. Start with a Hydrogeological Survey
The first and most crucial step in finding the best location for a borehole is conducting a professional hydrogeological survey. This scientific process identifies underground water sources and evaluates soil and rock conditions.
A hydrogeologist uses tools like Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) to:
- Locate aquifers
- Assess underground rock structures
- Estimate the water table depth and yield
This minimizes the chances of drilling a dry or low-yield borehole.
Pro Tip: Always request a detailed written hydrogeological report. This document guides your drilling team and helps with budgeting.
Bonvic Drilling Company provides affordable and accurate hydrogeological surveys across Kenya for just Ksh 50,000. Call us today at 0720545191/0722167999 to book a site visit.
2. Keep a Safe Distance from Contamination Sources
Ensuring water safety is critical when choosing the best location for a borehole. The site should be at least 30 to 50 meters away from potential pollutants, including:
- Pit latrines
- Septic tanks
- Animal pens and manure pits
- Garbage disposal areas
- Chemical and fertilizer storage
Contaminated water poses severe health risks and may require expensive treatment.
Pro Tip: Conduct a water quality test after drilling to confirm the absence of bacterial or chemical contaminants.
3. Ensure Accessibility for Drilling Equipment
The ideal borehole location must be easily accessible to drilling equipment. Drilling rigs and support vehicles need:
- Wide and stable access roads
- Flat, solid ground for equipment setup
- Enough working space for rig manoeuvring
Additional costs may apply for site preparation if your land is steep, bushy, or confined.
Pro Tip: Prepare the access route in advance and clear the borehole site of obstacles to avoid delays and extra charges.
4. Place the Borehole Close to the Points of Use
When selecting the best location for a borehole, proximity to water usage areas is key. This reduces plumbing costs and improves system efficiency. Consider:
- Locating domestic boreholes near your house or tank
- Placing irrigation boreholes centrally within your farm
- Drilling livestock boreholes near cattle sheds
Pro Tip: If solar pumps or gravity flow systems are used, choose slightly elevated sites to reduce power consumption.
5. Understand Soil and Rock Composition
Different areas in Kenya have varied soil and rock types that influence drilling costs and techniques. Here’s how they affect borehole drilling:
- Sandy soils: Easy to drill but may need reinforced casing
- Clay soils: Prone to collapsing, requiring extra protection
- Hard rock formations: Slower to penetrate and costlier to drill
- Fractured rock zones: Often hold water but must be precisely located
At Bonvic Drilling Company, we’ve worked in every soil and rock condition across Kenya. Let our experts help you navigate the challenges and choose the best location for a borehole that performs.
6. Prioritize Elevated and Well-Drained Areas
Selecting a borehole site on elevated or well-drained ground helps prevent surface runoff from contaminating your water supply. Avoid placing boreholes in valleys, swamps, or flood-prone zones.
Benefits of an elevated site:
- Reduced contamination risk
- Easier drainage away from the borehole
- Longer casing and pump life
Pro Tip: Install a concrete slab and apron around your borehole to divert surface water away.
7. Plan for Long-Term Land Use
Before settling on the best borehole location, consider your future development plans. You don’t want to build over or restrict access to your water source later.
Ask yourself:
- Will I construct buildings, roads, or fences in this area?
- Is the site far from power lines or septic systems?
- Can I secure the borehole with a fence or pump house?
Pro Tip: Leave a clear access path to the borehole for future maintenance and pump servicing.
8. Follow Legal and Regulatory Requirements in Kenya
In Kenya, borehole drilling is regulated by the Water Resources Authority (WRA). To legally drill and use a borehole, you must:
- Obtain a hydrogeological survey report
- Get a WRA drilling permit
- Apply for a water abstraction license if using large volumes
Your county government may also have setback and zoning rules.
Pro Tip: Let Bonvic Drilling handle all your permits and approvals. We’re familiar with WRA regulations and help clients fast-track the process.
9. Plan for Pumping and Water Storage Needs
When deciding on the best location for a borehole, consider where your storage tanks, solar panels, or pump house will go. This will influence the layout and cost of your water system.
- Ensure enough space for tanks and solar installations
- Avoid shaded areas if using solar pumps
- Plan for easy access to electrical power if using electric pumps
Pro Tip: Position the borehole within 10–20 meters of your main tank to reduce the cost of piping and pumping.
Conclusion: Get the Best Location for a Borehole with Professional Help
Finding the best location for a borehole in Kenya is not something to guess. It’s a critical decision that affects water yield, quality, safety, and cost.
Follow expert advice, conduct a hydrogeological survey, and plan ahead to ensure your borehole delivers consistent water for years.
Need expert help choosing the best location for a borehole? Bonvic Drilling Company is your trusted partner. We offer affordable surveys, quality drilling, and full permit support. Call us now at 0720545191/0722167999 or visit www.bonvicdrilling.com to get started.
