It depends on your property’s specific dolomite classification. The City of Johannesburg does not approve borehole drilling in high-risk dolomite zones due to sinkhole danger. Parts of the West Rand, South, and some central areas fall into restricted categories. Our site assessment includes checking your property’s dolomite status – we’ll tell you upfront if drilling isn’t advisable. In some lower-risk dolomite areas, drilling may be possible with appropriate precautions.

The City of Johannesburg requires you to obtain a permit and provide 14 days’ written notice before drilling. You must notify City Power, Johannesburg Water, Emergency Management Services, and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department. This is to ensure drilling doesn’t damage underground infrastructure – a real risk in Johannesburg, as the recent Gautrain tunnel incident showed. We handle this entire process for our clients.

Drilling itself takes 1-3 days depending on depth and ground conditions. Complete system installation adds another 2-3 days. However, the CoJ permit process requires 14 days’ advance notice, so factor that into your timeline. From initial consultation to operational system, most projects take 3-4 weeks including the regulatory requirements.

Borehole depths vary across Johannesburg. In the Northern Suburbs (Sandton, Fourways, Randburg), depths of 60-100 metres are typical. Eastern areas may range from 50-80 metres. Some properties require deeper drilling up to 150 metres or more. Our site assessment uses local geological data and neighbouring borehole records to estimate the likely depth before we start.

Yes, if over-pumped or during extended dry periods. This is a particular concern in Johannesburg where borehole numbers are increasing rapidly – some aquifers that once supported 10 boreholes now have 30+ drawing from them. Sustainable yield testing determines how much water you can safely extract daily. We design systems to match your borehole’s sustainable capacity, and maintenance plans monitor water levels over time.

Yes, boreholes are legal. For reasonable domestic use, you don’t need a water use licence under the National Water Act. However, the City of Johannesburg requires permits and registration for all boreholes, plus notification to multiple city departments before drilling. Drilling without proper approval can result in penalties, equipment confiscation, and arrest. We ensure all our projects are fully compliant.

After drilling, you need to register your borehole with the city, providing details including GPS coordinates, depth, yield, and water quality results. We provide all the technical documentation needed for registration. Registration is important – it helps authorities manage groundwater sustainably and is required before connecting borehole water to your property’s plumbing system.

It depends on your location and the aquifer. Johannesburg groundwater quality varies – some areas produce excellent water, others have elevated iron, manganese, or other minerals requiring treatment. Contamination from old mining areas can affect some zones. We conduct SANS 241 water quality testing on all boreholes and recommend appropriate treatment based on your results. Many properties achieve drinking-quality water with proper filtration.

Yes, we provide comprehensive repair and maintenance services. Common issues include pump failures, reduced yield, electrical faults, and water quality changes. Our maintenance plans include regular inspections, pump servicing, and water level monitoring. For emergencies, our Johannesburg team responds promptly. Regular maintenance extends system lifespan and prevents costly breakdowns.