Borehole Test Pumping Services in Kenya
Test pumping tells you how much water your borehole can safely give. We run 24 to 72 hour tests and give you a clear report, so your pump is sized right and your records are complete.
When You Need a Test Pumping
Skipping test pumping is one of the most common reasons pumps burn out and boreholes run dry early.
After drilling a new borehole
Every new borehole should be tested before a pump is chosen. It is the only way to know its real yield.
Before buying a pump
The test tells you the safe pumping rate and where to set the pump, so you do not buy the wrong size.
Yield has dropped
Retesting an older borehole shows how much the yield has fallen and whether rehabilitation can help.
Buying or selling property
A recent test proves what the borehole delivers. Buyers and lenders take that seriously.
Permits and records
Test pumping results form part of the records WRA expects for a registered borehole.
Bigger water demand
Planning irrigation, a school, an estate or a factory? Test first to confirm the borehole can keep up.
What Our Test Pumping Covers
We pump the borehole at measured rates and record how the water level falls and then recovers. These readings show the safe yield of your borehole.
You get the results in a clear report you can use to choose your pump and to keep with your borehole records.
- Step drawdown test at increasing pumping rates
- Constant rate test over 24 to 72 hours
- Recovery readings after pumping stops
- Water level and flow measurements throughout
- Safe yield and recommended pump setting
- Water sample for laboratory analysis (see our water testing guide)
- Written test pumping report
- Advice on the right pump for your borehole
How a Test Pumping Is Done
A standard process that gives you numbers you can trust.
Set up
We install a test pump and measuring equipment, and record the starting water level.
Step test
We pump at several increasing rates to see how the borehole responds to each one.
Constant rate test
We pump at one steady rate for 24 to 72 hours, recording the water level as it falls.
Recovery and report
After pumping stops, we record how fast the level recovers. Then you get the report and our pump advice.
Already have a report? Send it to us on WhatsApp. We can read it with you and recommend the right pump and tank, or use our free pump size calculator.
Why Choose Bonvic for Test Pumping
Accurate readings
Water levels and flow are measured throughout the test, not estimated.
Proper test length
We run the test long enough to show how your borehole really behaves under steady pumping.
Clear report
Plain explanations of what the numbers mean for your pump and daily water use.
Any borehole
We test boreholes we drilled and boreholes drilled by others.
Full service
After testing we can equip, solarise and maintain the borehole for you.
All 47 counties
Our teams carry out test pumping across Kenya.
Helpful Guides
Want to understand the details first? These guides from our blog explain more.
How borehole test pumping works
The science behind step and constant rate tests.
Read the guide →Borehole pumps guide
How test results decide your pump type and size.
Read the guide →Borehole yield during drought
What really controls how much water a borehole gives.
Read the guide →Borehole permits in Kenya
The approvals and records a legal borehole needs.
Read the guide →Drilling a borehole in Kenya
The full process from survey to commissioning.
Read the guide →The water table in Kenya
How groundwater depth varies across the country.
Read the guide →Borehole Test Pumping Questions
How long does test pumping take?
The constant rate test usually runs for 24 to 72 hours, plus time for the step test and recovery readings. The length depends on the borehole and how the water will be used.
Why can I not just install a pump straight away?
Without a test you are guessing the safe yield. A pump that is too big can drain the borehole and burn out, while one too small wastes your borehole. Test pumping removes the guesswork.
Do you test boreholes drilled by other companies?
Yes. We test any borehole, as long as we can safely access it. If the old pump is still inside, we remove it first.
Is test pumping needed for WRA?
Test pumping results are part of the records the Water Resources Authority expects for a properly registered borehole. Read our permits guide for more.
What does the report tell me?
It shows how the water level responded to pumping, the safe pumping rate, the recommended pump setting depth and notes on water quality.
Can test pumping show if my old borehole can be saved?
Yes. Comparing new results with the original yield shows how much performance has dropped and whether rehabilitation is worth it.
Book test pumping for your borehole
Send us your location and borehole depth. An engineer will reply with the next step and a date for the test.
Second line: 0797 000 555 · See our completed projects, warranty or all services.