Borewell drilling is the process of creating a narrow, deep well by drilling through soil and rock formations to reach underground water sources. This guide explains how the process works in practical terms, particularly in the context of borewell drilling in Kerala.
Step 1: Understanding Your Water Requirement
Before drilling begins, the first step is understanding what the borewell is needed for. Residential properties, agricultural land and commercial buildings each have different water requirements. The intended usage affects decisions about the borewell diameter, expected depth and yield requirements.
Questions typically discussed at this stage include:
- What is the primary use — domestic, agricultural, commercial or industrial?
- How much water is needed daily?
- Are there existing water sources on the property?
- What is the property layout and where could the borewell be located?
Step 2: Site Assessment
A site assessment evaluates the property conditions relevant to drilling. This includes looking at the terrain, soil type visible at the surface, proximity to existing wells and water bodies, accessibility for drilling equipment, and any constraints such as buildings, walls or underground utilities.
In areas like Kannur and Kasaragod, site conditions can vary considerably. Coastal areas, laterite midlands and rocky highland regions each present different drilling scenarios.
Step 3: The Drilling Process
Borewell drilling is done using a drilling rig — a heavy-duty machine typically mounted on a truck. The rig uses a rotating drill bit to bore through soil and rock formations, creating a cylindrical hole that extends vertically into the ground.
The drilling process involves:
- Setting up the rig — positioning the drilling machine and ensuring it is level and stable
- Drilling through soil layers — the initial softer layers are drilled through relatively quickly
- Drilling through rock — when harder rock formations are encountered, drilling speed reduces and different drill bits may be needed
- Monitoring for water — during drilling, the team watches for signs of water-bearing zones
- Continuing to target depth — drilling continues until the planned depth is reached or conditions indicate stopping is appropriate
Step 4: Casing Installation
After drilling, casing pipes are installed in the borewell. Casing serves multiple purposes:
- Preventing the borewell walls from collapsing, especially in softer soil zones
- Protecting the borewell from surface water contamination
- Providing structural integrity to the borewell
The type and length of casing depends on the soil and rock conditions encountered during drilling. In areas with substantial soft soil layers, more casing may be needed.
Step 5: Completion and Testing
Once drilling and casing are complete, the borewell is prepared for use. This may include flushing the borewell to clear drilling debris, basic yield observation, and preparing the borewell head for pump installation.
The pump installation itself is often a separate step, depending on the customer's preference and arrangement.
Factors That Affect Borewell Drilling
Several factors influence the drilling process and outcome:
- Geology — the type of rock and soil formations at the site directly affect drilling difficulty and water availability
- Depth — deeper borewells take longer and cost more, but may access more reliable water sources
- Location — terrain, accessibility and local water table conditions all play a role
- Season — groundwater levels can fluctuate seasonally, though drilling itself can be done year-round in most areas
If you are considering a borewell in Kannur or Kasaragod, contact Ocean Borewells to discuss your specific requirements and location.