These days, more and more people are turning to bore water for its reliability, especially in periods of drought. However, because bore water’s unable to be monitored as accurately as other resources, it can cause some problems. If you’ve found your bore has gone dry, you’ll understandably be worried about the cause and the solution. We’ve put together this handy guide to help you make sense of the reasons behind a dry bore and how you can effectively maintain your bore going forward.

Why has my bore gone dry?

More often than not, your bore won’t go dry overnight – it will see a gradual decrease in water levels. Due to the less accurate monitoring of water levels, however, any decline can look significant if the pump simply stops. While this can look alarming, it’s important to remember you still have access to water.

There are several reasons why a bore might stop operating. Dry weather, especially in summer, often involves reduced rainfall and increased cumulative drawdown in aquifers, which can lead to some bores running dry.

Shallow, unconfined wells are more likely to run dry than deeper bores or those that are contained within an aquifer. You’ll still have access to water, but to reach the water supply, your well will need to be drilled deeper or the pump lowered further down.

An improperly-maintained bore or pump is another common reason why access to water might fail.

How can I look after my bore?

To ensure your bore continues performing optimally and doesn’t run dry, maintenance on the bore and pump should be conducted every five to eight years. If you live in a warmer climate, or if your aquifer carries an increased corrosion risk, more frequent servicing is recommended.

As part of your scheduled maintenance, your bore driller will make sure that there is no leakage and that the pump is in proper working order. They can also remove clogs lingering in the screen or casing. If you notice flooding around your bore, your bore driller can pour a higher concrete pad to raise the bore further above ground level as a means of minimising the risk of water contamination.

Regular maintenance may uncover a clogged or corroded screen, which can impact lower water levels within the bore. Additionally, the type of pump may be the culprit behind your dry bore, with surface pumps proving limited in how deep they can go to draw water.

Maintenance can be completed within a few hours or within several days, depending on the size, depth and condition of your bore. The cost of maintenance will also depend on your bore size and condition, and on the duration of time needed to redevelop the bore. If your bore has not been serviced or maintained well, you’ll likely need to pay more. Regular servicing helps you stay on top of sediment build-up in your bore, and thus attracts a lower cost.

Who is responsible for the bore?

If you own a bore, you are responsible for maintaining it and its pump, for being aware of the depth, and for ensuring appropriate design. Your driller, pump supplier and meter installer will act on your behalf to ensure a quality installation and to provide advice on installation, design and pump options. The pump supplier will also carry out maintenance work upon your request. Finally, your council is responsible for monitoring water availability and quality, issuing bore permits, keeping records and ensuring meters comply with legal requirements.

Need quality bore maintenance? Contact LederWaterDrill

Ensure reliable, clean water with the expert drilling team at LederWaterDrill. We proudly service clients in Tenterfield and surrounds. Get in touch today on 0401 851 423.