What Size Pump and Tank Do You Need?
An undersized pump burns out early. An oversized one wastes money and can drain your aquifer. Get the right starting point in seconds.
Use this free borehole pump size calculator to find the right pump and tank for your water system. It is one of the most important decisions in any borehole project.
Get the sizing wrong and you face burnt out pumps, weak pressure, or water shortages. Get it right and you enjoy steady, reliable water for years.
This tool gives you a solid starting estimate based on your depth, your water needs, and how high your tank sits. It is a planning guide, not a final specification.
The exact pump for your borehole is confirmed by test pumping, which measures your real water level and yield. Learn more about the options in our guide to borehole pumps.
Your Details
Your Recommendation Will Appear Here
Fill in your details on the left to see:
- Your estimated daily water demand
- A recommended pump size in horsepower
- A recommended water storage tank size
How We Got There
This is a planning estimate. Your final pump is selected from your borehole’s actual water level and yield, measured during test pumping. We confirm the exact specification before installation.
Want the exact specification?
We size your pump and tank precisely after test pumping. Talk to our engineers.
Recommendations use standard engineering assumptions and the figures you entered. Actual requirements vary with water level, yield, pipe sizing and pressure needs. Always confirm with a professional before purchasing equipment.
Why Pump and Tank Sizing Matters
The pump and tank are the heart of your water system. Get them right and you enjoy steady, reliable water for years.
Get them wrong and the problems show up fast. An undersized pump runs constantly and burns out, while an oversized one wastes power and can over pump your aquifer.
What Decides Your Pump Size
Two things drive pump horsepower: how far the water must travel up, and how much water you need per hour. The borehole pump size calculator above weighs both of these factors for you.
The deeper your borehole and the higher your tank, the more power the pump needs. This is why a 60 metre borehole might only need a small pump, while a 250 metre borehole needs a much larger one for the same household.
The true figures come from test pumping, which measures your borehole’s real water level and sustainable yield.
What Decides Your Tank Size
Tank size is based on your daily water demand. A good rule is to store about one full day of water, so you always have supply even when the pump is resting or the power is out.
In areas with frequent power cuts, storing closer to two days is wise. Our guide on why your borehole needs a water tower explains how height and storage work together to give you strong, reliable pressure.
Cut Your Pump Running Costs With Solar
Once you know your pump size, the next decision is how to power it. Solar pumping removes the monthly electricity cost entirely and suits most boreholes in Kenya.
See the details in our guide to solar borehole pump installation in Kenya. You can also estimate the long term savings with our borehole savings calculator.
Get your exact pump and tank specification
We size your system precisely after test pumping. Free site assessment, no obligation.
Planning a full project? Estimate your costs with our borehole cost calculator, or read the complete 2026 borehole drilling guide.