Borehole Drilling Prices in South Africa vary more than most home projects because nobody knows the exact depth or ground until drilling starts. This guide shows published 2026 ranges for each part of the job so you can check quotes line by line.
- Prices are ballpark ranges from published sources, not quotations.
- Ask for itemised quotes so you can compare drilling, casing, testing and equipment separately.
Get itemised quotes for your own site and compare them line by line.
Compare Borehole QuotesDrilling Cost per Metre by City
| City | Drilling only, per metre | Typical depth |
|---|---|---|
| Bloemfontein | R290 - R520 | 40 - 110 m |
| Polokwane | R290 - R530 | 40 - 120 m |
| Mbombela (Nelspruit) | R300 - R540 | 40 - 110 m |
| Gqeberha | R310 - R560 | 30 - 100 m |
| East London | R310 - R570 | 40 - 110 m |
| Durban | R320 - R600 | 30 - 90 m |
| Kimberley | R320 - R580 | 50 - 130 m |
| Johannesburg | R350 - R650 | 40 - 120 m |
| Pretoria | R380 - R700 | 50 - 130 m |
| Cape Town | R380 - R750 | 30 - 120 m |
| Centurion (dolomite) | R420 - R750 | 50 - 140 m |
Drilling Cost by Depth
Drilling only, calculated from a rounded R300 - R750 per metre range. Casing, testing and equipment are extra.
| Depth | Drilling only |
|---|---|
| 30 m | R9,000 - R22,500 |
| 60 m | R18,000 - R45,000 |
| 90 m | R27,000 - R67,500 |
| 120 m | R36,000 - R90,000 |
Other Costs in a Borehole Quote
| Item | Ballpark price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Site establishment (mobilisation) | R2,000 - R10,000 | Higher for remote or difficult sites |
| Casing, per metre | R400 - R700 | PVC at the lower end, steel at the upper end |
| Geophysical siting survey | R5,000 - R10,000 | Optional, but common in uncertain geology |
| Dolomite stability assessment | R5,000 - R15,000 | Only where the municipality or geology requires it |
| Borehole development | R2,000 - R5,000 | Some drillers charge by the hour |
| Yield test | R1,500 - R5,000 | Longer tests for larger use cost more |
| Basic water quality test | R1,500 - R3,000 | Detailed analysis up to about R10,000 |
| Submersible pump system, installed | R15,000 - R45,000 | Pump, cable, rising main, controls, labour |
| Pressure tank | R2,000 - R10,000 | Size dependent |
| Filtration | R5,000 - R20,000 | Depends on the lab results |
Ballpark figures, not quotations. Ranges compiled from price guides published by South African contractors, suppliers and quote websites, checked October 2026 and rounded where needed. They are not our prices and no contractor is bound by them. Confirm whether VAT is included on every quote.
Sources:
- OurPower, borehole drilling cost by city (October 2026)
- Lekker Trade, borehole drilling cost per metre (October 2026)
- Borehole Hub, borehole prices 2026
- Enviroleg, borehole price and drilling price guides (2026)
- Enviroleg, borehole testing and inspection prices (January 2026)
- Borehole Guide, borehole pump installation cost (March 2026)
Complete Installation or Drilling Only
| Quote type | Ballpark price | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Drilling only, 60 m | R18,000 - R45,000 | Drilling, plus casing and site establishment at extra cost |
| Complete domestic borehole | R60,000 - R120,000 | Drilled, cased, tested and equipped with a pump |
| City project totals (2026 index) | R40,000 - R150,000 | Scope varies by source; lowest in Bloemfontein and Polokwane, highest in Centurion |
A drilling-only quote looks cheaper but leaves testing, pump and plumbing to be bought separately. A complete quote is easier to compare if every line is itemised.
What Moves the Price
- Depth and geology. Hard rock drills slower; collapsing ground needs more casing.
- Access and distance. Narrow gates, steep slopes and long travel add cost.
- Diameter. Larger pumps need wider holes, which cost more per metre.
- Equipment. Pump size, solar or mains power, tanks and treatment.
- Permissions. Municipal fees and assessments where they apply.
VAT, Exclusions and Extra Charges
- Check whether each quote includes VAT. Many published rates do not say.
- Ask what happens if drilling goes deeper than quoted, and the rate for extra metres.
- Standby time, extra casing, restoring paving or lawns and spoil removal are often extra.
- Electrical connection from the house to the pump may need an electrician and a certificate of compliance.
Dry Holes and Written Terms
A dry or low-yielding hole still costs money: the rig, fuel and metres drilled. Terms differ widely. Some drillers charge the full rate, some a reduced rate, and some offer to drill a second position at a discount. Get the dry-hole terms, depth limit and payment stages in writing before work starts.
Request quotes through Borehole Installation South Africa and compare itemised prices from independent contractors.
See borehole drilling for how the work is done.
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Borehole Price FAQs
What is the average cost of a borehole in South Africa?
Published 2026 guides put a complete domestic borehole, drilled, cased, equipped and tested, at roughly R60,000 - R120,000. Drilling-only prices are lower but exclude the pump system.
Why do prices per metre differ so much?
Rock hardness, casing needs, local competition and rig size all differ by region. Dolomite and hard rock areas cost more per metre.
Is casing included in the per-metre rate?
Usually not. Casing is normally priced separately per metre. Check every quote.
Do I pay if no water is found?
Usually, at least in part. Dry-hole terms vary by contractor, so agree them in writing.
Are these prices VAT inclusive?
Many published ranges do not state it. Ask each contractor to show VAT separately.
Can I get a fixed price?
Some contractors offer fixed prices to a set depth. Ask what happens beyond that depth.
Borehole Installation South Africa is a free quote-comparison service. The work is quoted and carried out by independent contractors, and your agreement is with the contractor you appoint. Availability depends on your location and on contractors taking on that kind of job. Before you pay a deposit, get a written quote that lists what is included and excluded, the guarantee terms and the payment terms.
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