Whether you’re a homeowner, farmer, or community leader in West Africa, having access to clean, reliable water is life-changing. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through borehole drilling.

But how does the process actually work? What happens after you decide to drill?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand the entire borehole drilling process, commonly followed across Guinea, Sierra Leone, Mali, Nigeria, and the broader West African region.

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✅ Step 1: Site Survey & Hydrogeological Assessment

Before drilling starts, a site survey is conducted by a geologist or hydrogeologist.

✅ Determines the best location to find underground water
✅ Avoids dry boreholes and failed projects
✅ Ensures safe distance from septic tanks or latrines

Tools Used: GPS, resistivity meters, mapping software

✅ Step 2: Mobilization of Drilling Rig & Equipment

Once the site is approved, the drilling team transports the rig, casings, and support truck to your location.

• Usually done with truck-mounted or trailer-mounted rigs
• Water tanks and diesel generators may also be included

✅ Step 3: Actual Drilling Begins

The rig starts drilling a vertical hole into the earth. The drilling method may vary depending on the soil:

• Rotary Drilling (for harder ground)
• Percussion Drilling (for softer or mixed soil)

Cuttings are removed as the drill goes deeper.

📏 Common Depths in West Africa:

• Urban areas: 30–60 meters
• Rural/farm areas: 50–120 meters

✅ Step 4: Borehole Casing Installation

Casing is inserted to protect the borehole walls from collapsing and to block contaminated water from entering.

• Materials: PVC, galvanized iron, or steel
• Includes a screen section to allow clean water into the borehole

✅ Step 5: Borehole Development & Flushing

After casing, the borehole is flushed to:

• Remove fine particles, silt, or mud
• Improve water yield
• Prepare the hole for pump testing

This is called borehole development and is done using air compressors or water jetting.

✅ Step 6: Pumping Test & Water Yield Measurement

A temporary or permanent pump is installed to test the water flow.

• Measures liters per second (LPS) or gallons per minute (GPM)
• Ensures the borehole can meet household, farm, or commercial needs

✅ Step 7: Water Quality Testing (Optional but Recommended)

Samples are collected and sent to a certified lab to check for:

• Bacteria (E. coli, coliforms)
• pH level
• Heavy metals and minerals

✅ Step 8: Pump & Tank Installation

Now the borehole is ready for full use!

• Submersible pump (most common) or hand pump is installed
• A storage tank and solar or electric power system may also be added
• Optional filtration system for drinking water

✅ Step 9: Commissioning & Handover

The borehole is officially handed over to the client with:

• Water test results (if applicable)
• Pump operation training
• Maintenance advice
• Guarantee/warranty details

📌 Final Words: Why This Process Matters

Understanding the full process helps you:

• Avoid scams and poor-quality drilling services
  
• Ask the right questions
  
• Get a long-lasting, high-yield water source