Borehole
BOREHOLE WATER
Access to borehole water has quickly become a mainstream mechanism for individuals and organisations to ensure a secure water supply.
Although this source of water is readily available for those with access to boreholes, borehole water is complex and unique in its characteristics. It can be one of the most complicated waters to treat, as the water quality is heavily influenced by surrounding geology, geography, and exposure of the aquifer to contamination by human activity.
Two areas need to be considered when contemplating the use of borehole water.
Firstly, the health effects of the water. Constituents of the water may be outside of the local drinking water standards, these include aspects such as bacterial contamination, high nitrogen concentrations or the presence of heavy metals. Continued consumption of contaminated water may have devastating health effects, particularly for the very young, elderly, and immunosuppressed persons.
Secondly, borehole water may have significant impact on infrastructure. Water may be corrosive or scaling, which will eventually undermine the integrity of pipes and household equipment. The impact of the use of this water will be observed in the long term and may result in poor equipment performance and eventually costly replacement.
CASE STUDY
Religious Institute - South Africa
Problem to be solved:
The community required treatment of 60 m3/d of borehole water for domestic purposes. The water was high in turbidity, nitrates and bacterial contamination. They system had to be built into and fully interfaced with existing infrastructure.
CASE STUDY
Copper mine - DROC
Problem to be solved:
Mine required borehole water treatment for domestic use.
The following parameters are assumed to be outside of the drinking water standard (SANS 241), Suspended solids / Turbidity, Calcium, Magnesium.
