Water shortages in some parts of Australia have caused homeowners to drill water bores in their backyards. Bore water can also supplement municipal water and might be useful for agriculture. Furthermore, bore water is ideal for lawns, pools, and gardens. Since installing a bore is a considerable investment that requires adequate planning, you might need some guidance concerning licensing and conducting tests. Here is what homeowners need to know about drilling bore water.
Source of Your Bore Water -- It is imperative to know the source of the bore water to understand how sustainable the water will be for use. Furthermore, identifying the source of the water allows you to improve its quality using applicable policies and tools. Rainwater seeps into underground aquifers. The aquifer can be confined by a solid rock to protect the water. Alternatively, an unconfined aquifer lacks the protective layer, and thus, it is susceptible to contamination. Notably, your local authority is better placed to know if the aquifer is confined or unconfined, enabling you to make appropriate decisions regarding protection of the bore water quality. Further, identifying the source of water can help you conduct laboratory tests on the water before domestic use.
Licensing -- Unless you plan to install a bore for commercial purposes, you do not need a license in many Australian states and territories. Landholders are not required to have a permit because water is part of their stock and domestic right. However, where the water source is not protected by such a right, then you need to acquire a license. Furthermore, local and stock permits imply that the water should be used for household purposes only. You cannot use the water to irrigate crops or water animals that will be sold commercially. You may be penalized if you drill a bore without a license where one is required. In addition, digging outside a specific license class is illegal. Visit your local council for information about permits and rights.
Test Pumping -- The only way of ascertaining if your bore can produce safe and sustainable yields of water is through a pumping test. Besides the returns, test pumping enables you to know a suitable pump size and the correct placement regarding depth. You might have to test pump for a minimum of six hours following the AS 2368-1990 requirements for test pumping of water wells. The test should be performed by a qualified pump supplier with vast experience in drilling bores.