Groundwater is one of UK’s most valuable natural resources. Even though most large cities get their water from surface sources such as lakes, rivers, and dams, it is estimated that there is ten times as much fresh water below the land surface than in all the lakes and rivers combined. Groundwater is a far safer water source than surface water because it is protected by soil or rock, and is not so easily contaminated.
A properly constructed water well is the best way to insure that the water you drink is safe and clean. Typically, a borehole used as a well is completed by installing a vertical pipe (casing) and well screen to keep the borehole from collapsing. This also helps prevent surface contaminants from entering the borehole and protects any installed pump from drawing in sand and sediment.
Applications
Agricultural
With a year round dependence on water, a farm is an ideal beneficiary of a private water supply. A reliable source of fresh water for livestock and crops will aid operations and improve produce quality, whist a reduced expenditure on water will help yield a greater profit and improve competitiveness against rival national and international farms.
In the UK the yearly volume of water used in agricuture is approximately
184 million cubic metres
...With 83% of farms using mains water services
Manufacturing
Water is a key resource in a wide range of manufacturing processes, but is not always accessible in large quantities or at the required pressure without a private supply. Cost savings from a reduced price per cubic metre, increases competitiveness within the industry, with an installed borehole also providing an additional asset to the business.
Leisure & Tourism
Those that own and operate leisure facilities such as holiday lodges and caravan parks often benefit tremendously from a private borehole. Swimming and showering facilities, along with water intensive amenities, such as an on-site launderette, can cause a huge demand for water. Borehole water supplies help to lower ongoing water related costs.
Borehole water costs a few pence per cubic metre, whereas mains water can cost pounds, allowing capital expeniture to be quickly regained.
Because borehole water is sourced from underneath your land, it reduces energy wasted during transport when compared to water pumped from a wholesaler.
The payback period on borehole capital expenditure can typically be achieved in 18 months, although this depends on your individual set-up.
Did you know?
A private user may extract up to 20 cubic metres (20,000 litres) per day of ground water without any licence for free. Even with a dedicated abstraction licence it is still very economical to have a borehole water supply installed.
