Borehole Water Testing tells you what is in your groundwater and whether it suits drinking, cooking, irrigation, livestock or a pool. Clear water is not necessarily safe: bacteria, nitrate and fluoride have no colour or taste.
- Say what you use, or plan to use, the water for.
- Mention any taste, smell, staining or illness concerns.
Compare quotes for borehole water sampling and laboratory testing.
Compare Borehole QuotesWhat Laboratories Test For
| Group | Examples | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Microbiological | E. coli, total coliforms | Shows faecal or surface contamination |
| Physical | pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity | Taste, corrosion and general quality |
| Chemical | Nitrate, fluoride, sulphate, chloride, hardness | Health effects and scaling |
| Metals | Iron, manganese, others as needed | Staining, taste and health |
For drinking water, ask for testing against SANS 241, the South African drinking water standard. Use a laboratory accredited by SANAS for the tests you need.
Sampling Properly
- Bottles. Use the sterile bottles the lab supplies.
- Run the water. Let the borehole run first so the sample comes from the aquifer, not the pipe.
- Keep it cool. Store samples cold and deliver them as quickly as the lab specifies, especially for bacteria.
- Record. Note the date, time and sampling point.
Reading the Results
- Results are compared with limits for the intended use.
- Drinking water limits are stricter than irrigation or livestock guidelines.
- A failed result does not always mean the borehole is useless. Treatment can often fix it.
- Treatment should be chosen from the results. See borehole water filtration.
Borehole Water Testing Prices
| Test | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Basic water quality test | R1,500 - R3,000 |
| Detailed analysis | Up to about R10,000 |
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:
- Enviroleg, borehole testing and inspection prices (January 2026)
- Borehole Hub, borehole prices 2026
What Affects Borehole Water Testing Quotes
- Number of parameters.
- Microbiological and chemical together or separately.
- Sampling by the contractor or by you.
- Travel to the lab.
Questions to Ask About Borehole Water Testing
- Is the laboratory SANAS accredited for these tests?
- Will results be compared with SANS 241?
- Who takes the sample, and how is it transported?
- Will you explain the results and the treatment options?
Find testing services through Borehole Installation South Africa.
New boreholes should be tested after drilling and before use.
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Borehole Water Testing FAQs
My water looks clear. Is it safe to drink?
Not necessarily. Bacteria, nitrate and fluoride are invisible. Only a laboratory test shows whether water is safe to drink.
How often should I test?
At least once a year for drinking water, and after floods, nearby construction or any change in taste or colour.
What is SANS 241?
The South African National Standard for drinking water. It sets limits for microbiological, chemical and physical quality.
Can I take the sample myself?
Yes, if you follow the lab's instructions and use their bottles. Poor sampling gives misleading results.
Do I need a test for irrigation only?
It helps. High salt or iron can harm plants, stain paving and clog drippers.
Borehole Installation South Africa is a free quote-comparison service. The testing 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.
Borehole Water Testing. Compare quotes for laboratory water analysis.
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