- Mechanical Blockage: mechanical blockage occurs when small soil particles or by-products from the well-wall build up and cause blockages or reduced flow.
- Chemical Encrustation: essentially the chemical version of a mechanical blockage, chemical encrustation occurs when chemical deposits build up on the good screen or gravel pack and restrict the flow of water.
- Bacteriological Plugging: Bacteria and other microorganisms can also clog a borehole.
To rehabilitate a borehole will vary depending on the nature of the cause for the blockage or reduced flow; the following steps constitute a brief overview of the traditional steps borehole rehabilitation could or would necessitate:
- A survey of the borehole will be undertaken first – the surveyor may ask you questions such as depth, yield, diameter, and tests.
- The pumping mechanism and/or other removable parts will be cleaned with a chlorine solution.
- The borehole will be drained of all water and will be thoroughly cleaned of all sediment and debris.
- Any damage to the inside of the borehole will be repaired. If the damage is too extensive, the borehole may be re-lined as opposed to simply repaired/patched.
- The well itself will now be cleaned with chlorinated water.
- Should the borehole/well require chemical cleaning, it will take place at this juncture. If the well needs to be chemically cleaned the process could take anywhere from 1 to 3 days and will mean the well needs to be dewatered thereafter to remove the chemicals and chemical residue.
- The well/borehole will be disinfected. Chlorination is the most common method of disinfection undertaken.
- Post chlorination the well/borehole will need to be dewatered. The water will be tested until chlorine levels are back below 0.5mg per liter.
- The well/borehole will be resealed.
Why Our Borehole Rehabilitation Approach Works
- Accurate Diagnostics – Every intervention is guided by real data from the site survey.
- Customized Solutions – No one-size-fits-all: our methods are adapted to each borehole’s specific needs, whether it’s general rehabilitation or services related to core drilling in Monrovia, Liberia.
- Safe & Compliant Processes – We follow strict environmental and health protocols in every treatment.
- Cost-Efficient Outcomes – We focus on rehabilitation over replacement, saving time and resources.
- Sustainable Results – Our solutions help extend the life and efficiency of your water system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if something’s wrong with my borehole?
If you’re noticing lower water pressure, changes in water color, unusual smells, or your system isn’t producing as much water as it used to, those could be signs of buildup, blockages, or internal damage. We typically assess all of these symptoms during our initial inspection.
What happens during a borehole rehabilitation?
We usually start by evaluating the borehole’s condition—checking for sediment, mineral buildup, or damage. From there, we clean out blockages, disinfect the system, repair any structural issues, and test the water to ensure it’s safe before putting it back into use.
Is it better to fix a borehole or just drill a new one?
In many cases, rehabilitation is more cost-effective and environmentally responsible than drilling a new borehole. We typically recommend repair if the structure is intact and the underlying issues can be resolved through cleaning or re-lining.
What do I need to stop doing while my borehole is being worked on?
During the rehabilitation process, the borehole will need to be temporarily taken offline. We make sure everything is flushed and retested before water use resumes, ensuring both safety and system performance.
How do I keep my borehole from getting clogged again?
We usually advise scheduling inspections every 12 to 24 months and watching for early warning signs. Regular maintenance helps us catch and correct problems before they turn into major repairs.
Can bacteria or minerals really block a borehole?
Yes, both biological and chemical buildup can lead to reduced water flow. We often treat boreholes for mineral encrustation or bacterial growth as part of the rehabilitation process.
How long does it usually take to get a borehole back to normal?
Most rehabilitation work takes between one to three days, depending on what’s causing the issue. We always provide a clear timeline after our initial site assessment.
Let’s Build a Better Water Future Together
Contact us today to discover how our expertise can support your water needs—from concept to completion.