Steps to construct a bore

There are steps you need to take as a landowner before and after constructing a bore.

Before constructing a bore

Drilling for water is costly. You should make informed decisions and ensure you have the proper authorisations before starting.

Step 1: Confirm what authorisations you’ll need

Before you construct a bore, you should:

1. check your water plan to see if you need a water authorisation to take groundwater
2. check development approval requirements to confirm if you need a development approval to construct the water bore or do other related work.

If you’re unsure, contact your local business centre to confirm. Provide them with the following information:

• the location of the property where the bore will be constructed
• what you’re planning to use the water for
• if applicable, details of any water authorisations to take groundwater you already hold (e.g. water licence).

You should also check with your local council to determine if there are extra requirements that must be met.

Step 2: Conduct groundwater assessments

Before starting any work, you should assess whether the groundwater in your location will be fit-for-purpose. This could include determining the depth, expected water quantity and quality, and preferred drilling sites.

To do this assessment, you can:

1. hire a licensed water bore driller
2. hire a private hydrogeological consultant
3. check drilling or water bore records using online bore reports.

When choosing where to drill a bore, you should consider:

• possible sources of pollution (e.g. septic installation)
• property boundaries and proximity to where the water is required
• source of power for the pump
• neighbouring water bores, to avoid potential pumping interference.

The person drilling should check the location of facilities and services such as power lines, telephone lines and gas.

Step 3: Engage a licensed bore driller

If your bore will be deeper than 6 metres, you must employ a suitably licensed driller to carry out the work. Check the list of registered water bore drillers (PDF, 313KB) or source your preferred driller and make a drilling agreement.

Step 4: Make a drilling agreement

Before engaging a licensed driller, you should make a drilling agreement outlining the terms of the work. This ensures that the bore will deliver the water quantity and quality that you need.

You should agree on:

• whether the drilling rig can do the job and the approximate depth to be drilled
• the charge for a 'dry' hole and for a ‘completed’ water bore
• tests to be carried out on completion (to determine water quality and quantity).

A sample contract document is available in Appendix C of the Minimum construction requirements for water bores in Australia (PDF, 10MB).

Constructing a bore

All drilling activities (including bores and test holes) need to comply with construction standards. Find out more about construction standards for water bores.

After the bore is constructed

Step 1: Water bore testing and disinfection

Once the bore has been constructed, you should test the water supply. This may include testing:

• water quality, e.g. conductivity or taste testing
• yield, e.g. pump test.

You could consider engaging a specialist for a complete water analysis.

To protect groundwater resources, it is recommended that new water bores are disinfected with a sterilising agent. Iron bacteria may be transported from bore to bore or can be present in the aquifer.

Once a water bore is infected, it is extremely difficult to eradicate the bacteria.

It is recommended that you discuss this with your licensed driller.

Step 2: Drilling records

Upon completion of drilling works, ask your driller to provide you with a copy of the drill log form.

This log contains important details that can help diagnose any future problems.