Bore water is an excellent resource that takes pressure off domestic drinking supplies and helps to meet your water needs. Thinking of getting a garden bore installed? Don’t know if it’s right for you? Here are some answers to frequently asked questions.
What is a garden bore?
When rain falls on to your property it seeps into the ground until stopped by rock or clay, forming reservoirs underground. Domestic garden bores drill into and draw water from the shallowest groundwater, typically around 50 metres in depth in WA.
What can I use this water for?
As it seeps through the ground water absorbs minerals from the soil, as well as picking up pesticides, nutrients, fertilisers and other contaminants. Due to it’s proximity to the surface, shallow groundwater is commonly more contaminated because of it’s exposure to animals and chemicals. As such ground water is not suitable for drinking, bathing, cooking, swimming or food preparation unless tested, treated and found to be within safe levels. It is however a good option for watering your garden or flushing toilets.
Is every place suitable for a bore?
No. Bores are only suitable in areas that are not overtly contaminated and only in locations with good quality ground water. The Perth Groundwater Atlas identifies areas where bores are suitable (available online at the Department of Water’s website at www.water.wa.gov.au).
Places where they are not suitable include areas with salt water intrusion, acid sulphate soils, otherwise contaminated water or where depleting the groundwater would harm existing ecosystems. Other ways that a bore could become contaminated domestically is if the area is exposed to fuel leakage or excessive fertiliser or pesticide use.
How do I maintain my bore?
Make sure your bore is installed by a licensed driller and follow the manufactors specifications; check the pH of the water regularly; and inspect the headworks, casing and pump for signs of corrosion, damage or scaling. If you notice that your bore has a low pH, a chemical smell, abnormal colour or froth at the sprinkler points you may have a contamination problem.
If you’re looking to install a bore or need maintenance on an existing one, check out your local bores and reticulations specialists on Look Local WA.
