Borehole Water Supply & The Impact From The Spring Rainfall

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Spring has sprung, and though we may have one or two more rainy days to look forward to before summer arrives in full swing, the winter rains that could be relied on to recharge our dams and borehole water supply have come and gone for the year!

That means that we’ve all got the winter rains to thank for not only filling up our dams and helping us avoid Day Zero, but also for replenishing our borehole water supplies!

Whether you’re wondering how your groundwater source is being replenished by the rain, or you’re just curious about the state of our dams compared to last year, keep reading to find out all about the impact of our wet, wild winter on our water reserves this upcoming scorching summer!

2019 Dam Levels

Thankfully the wet winters to which we’re accustomed in the Cape returned in full force this year, and we’re pleased to announce that the dams are in far better condition this year than they were a year ago.

Our dams in the Western Cape are approximately 10% fuller than they were at this point last year, and that means that with responsible water usage we may just avoid Day Zero for the second year in a row!

Though our dams are over 80% full at present, that does not mean that we can begin using water indiscriminately, or that we can afford to be wasteful in our water consumption.

The key to stabilizing our water supply in the long-term, and combating the direct effects of climate change and drought on our province is to continue using water wisely, and sparingly, to ensure the taps don’t run dry when we need water most.

For an ongoing overview of current dam levels, you can click here to visit the City of Cape Town’s official dam levels webpage. 

Where Does Borehole Water Come From?

If you’re wondering how rain can replenish your borehole water supply, don’t worry, you’re not the only one who’s ever wondered how it works!

So, we’re here to offer you a quick overview of how this water cycle works, and why the rains are just as important for recharging your borehole as they are for filling up our dams each winter. 

Essentially, your borehole taps into a kind of underground lake or river.

Think of it as a pocket or underground cave filled with water that is always on the move.

This aquifer is essentially like a naturally occurring underground dam where flowing water pools.

This water is created not only by evaporation in the permeable geological matter surrounding it, but is also recharged and replenished by rain water that seeps into the ground joins this underground river.

When we drill a borehole, we are essentially creating a giant straw from which your home or business can suck up this water.

In order to maintain the health and yield of your borehole, you too are relying, at least in part, on the rainwater cycle to replenish your own personal “dam”.

Main Difference Between A Borehole Water Supply and Rain Water.

The difference between tapping into a borehole water source and catching rainwater is not simply a matter of crude volume accessible/collected.

Rainwater can become polluted as a direct result of surrounding air pollution and other miscellaneous contact with contaminants.

While rainwater can become contaminated, it is naturally filtered by the earth by the time it gets to replenishing your borehole water supply.

In contrast, the water caught in, for example, a JoJo tank, is unfiltered and may be acidic or otherwise contaminated from having come into contact with, for example, your roof and gutters.

The water contained in a JoJo tank is also stagnant, whereas groundwater sources are flowing, they’re never technically static.

Why Getting A Water Borehole Now Is A Good Idea?

Installing a water borehole on your property is always a good idea.

Though the upfront costs can seem daunting, you need to remember that a borehole is a long-term investment that ultimately both increases your property value and saves you money!

At the end of the day, your borehole will pay for itself and then some!

And, that’s not all!

By lowering your demand on the municipal water supply, your water borehole will not only save you money, but help you help your city avoid day zero for the second year in a row!

With responsible use of your water borehole, you can help mitigate the effects of drought and water scarcity on your city!

With 2019’s welcome winter rainfall, you can rest assured that groundwater sources have been sufficiently replenished to make tapping into your very own groundwater source a lucrative exercise!

If the current health of our dams is anything to go on, and it is, the province’s groundwater sources have long since been in such excellent condition.

Investing in a water borehole now means you’ll have ongoing access to a consistent water supply for the duration of the 2020 summer, regardless of the long-term state of our dams and the potential future water scarcity resultant from repeat drought.

While groundwater sources also need to be tapped responsibly, at least in the case of a personal water borehole you have complete control over the demands placed on the groundwater source’s supply.

Unlike in the case of the municipal water supply, you don’t need to pay for others’ irresponsible water consumption when you’re responsibly using your own water borehole. 

Not yet convinced?

For more information on the benefits of boreholes, check out our detailed article Main Benefits From Water Boreholes 

Conclusion

Whether your takeaway is that you need to get your own water borehole asap, or that you’re happy to rely solely on the municipal water supply for another year given the current good health of our dams, we want you to remember to continue to use this precious natural resource responsibly!

With water scarcity on the rise, drought an ever-present threat, and climate change affecting our planet in very real ways, it is more important now than ever before to treat our water supply with respect.

For more information on water borehole drilling, the responsible use of groundwater sources, borehole maintenance or any borehole related queries, please feel free to contact us and we’d be more than happy to assist you.