24/03/2026
Many South Africans are turning to boreholes for water security, but the safety of that groundwater depends entirely on the soil above it.
In an ideal world, wastewater filters slowly through layers of soil, which act as a natural biological filter. However, pathways like cracked bedrock, old pipes, or even the borehole casing itself can act as a shortcut. This allows untreated contaminants to reach the water table in hours rather than months.
Protecting a borehole isn't just about the depth of the drill; itβs about ensuring that the wastewater being discharged on the property has been treated to a standard where it won't contaminate the invisible reservoir we all rely on.