Bores

Drilling

Well researched water bore drilling
can be the difference.

In a dry climate like Western Australia’s, accessing groundwater can be a game-changer. Bores allow you to tap into underground water reservoirs, which can then be used for irrigation, livestock, and other industrial or commercial purposes. It’s a sustainable option for those who want to reduce their reliance on mains water supplies or simply need more water than the local mains can provide.

The key to a successful bore is proper drilling. This is not a guessing game project - picking the right location and depth is essential to ensuring a steady and reliable flow of water.

At BD Water, we bring expertise, specialised equipment, and a solid understanding of local hydrogeological conditions to every drilling project. We make sure that your bore is drilled in the ideal spot and to the correct depth to ensure long-term success.

Call Now: 1300 239 283

How we simplify bore drilling.

A bore can provide a sustainable and reliable water source, however, getting a new bore constructed is not the easiest task. Drilling a bore might seem like a huge undertaking, but with the right team, it’s a breeze.

At BD Water, we make the drilling process smooth and straightforward, with minimal fuss and maximum results.

Pre-drilling assessments

We start with a desktop assessment including lithology maps and bores drilled nearby. We do a detailed site inspection to check the property conditions, elevation and soil materials. We advise the chances of finding water and recommend you the best bore location and depth based the water table depth, property lithology, any existing infrastructure, and other factors.

The actual drilling happens

Once the ideal drilling location is determined, we bring in our state-of-the-art drilling rigs. These machines are designed to handle the unique conditions found in WA, allowing us to drill efficiently while minimising (though never removing completely) disruption to your property. We drill to the necessary depth, and construct the bore using quality materials.

We have a bore, now what?

After a bore is drilled, it is ready to be equipped with a pump. We don't formalise pump quotes prior to the bore construction, to ensure we accurately size the pump to the bore production and irrigation requirements. Once a bore is drilled, we size and quote the pump and follow on irrigation works. Our integrated approach enables us to work seamlessly from bore to irrigation and any necessary licensing work.

And the moment we hit water!

One of the most exciting moments in bore drilling is when we hit water. But it’s not just about finding water - it’s about making sure that the bore can supply enough water to meet your needs. At BD Water, we’re experts at optimising bore construction design, for example using multiple screens, to get the ideal yield for your irrigation needs.

Once drilling is complete, we perform tests to measure the flow rate and the amount of water the bore can supply. These tests help us determine whether the bore will meet your requirements for irrigation or other water use. If the yield is lower than expected, we can offer solutions, generally such as additional development or using tanks to maximise water flow.

Longevity

While drilling is the first step in creating a functional bore, it’s important to remember that proper maintenance is key to ensuring it continues to work effectively. At BD Water, we provide ongoing support to help you maintain your bore, including advice on keeping the water clean and ensuring that the pump system works efficiently.

Compliance

We ensure that all our bores comply with any DWER regulations and licensing requirements, making the process as seamless as possible for you. Our team handles the paperwork, ensuring you’re set up with a legal and fully operational bore from day one.

Reliability

For properties in Western Australia, where dry spells and water restrictions are common, having a bore means peace of mind. Whether you’re watering crops, maintaining livestock, or keeping a lush garden for private or public use, a bore gives you the flexibility and reliability that no other water source can provide.

Our Customers

What our clients and drillers say about us.

BD Water strives to build relationships that last. And what our people say about us means a lot.  We make water simple, and we do that from the first supplier to the final consumer.

They did everything for us including complete and submit all the paperwork for us which eliminated some of the stress of dealing with DWER. Great Customer Service

Sallyann Bailey

Director, Nateis Contracting

Very professional and the quality of work is A1, I can tell this company is passionate in providing the very best advice and service. So happy to see green green grass again !!!!

David Saunders

Operations Manager, Purely Commercials

Thinking of getting a bore drilled?

Drilling a bore isn’t just about digging a hole - it’s about creating a long-term, reliable water supply for your property. At BD Water, we take the guesswork out of the process, providing expert and fully compliant advice, high-quality drilling services, and ongoing support to ensure your bore operates efficiently for years to come.

With our extensive knowledge of Western Australia’s terrain and a focus on customer satisfaction, we’re the perfect partner to help you tap into the water beneath your feet in an effective and sustainable way. If you’re ready to start drilling for water, contact BD Water today and let us help you find the perfect solution for your water needs.

Call Now: 1300 239 283

How long is the installation of a water bore in Perth?

Generally, it takes us one day to drill and construct a bore up to 50 metres. We can arrange to get your pump installation and connection to irrigation system the next day. In all, the project takes about 2 days.

Depending on the depth of the drilling, the construction of the hole itself can take longer. Bores into the confined and semi-confined Mirrabooka and Leederville aquifers are a longer process, as they are often deeper and have generally require a pilot bore so that a wireline log is conducted and sent to Department of Water and Environmental Regulation for their approval, before the final bore and construction can be finalised. In this case, the project takes about a week once the drilling itself commences.

Do I need to apply for any licences?

We recommend you contact us directly so we can provide advice specific to your situation.

‍In general, most commercial or large properties in proclaimed areas (from the Hills line to the Coast) need a licence to drill and utilise the bore. If you are doing any of the following you’ll most likely need a groundwater licence to take water:

Irrigating more than 1/2 an acre (2,000 square meters)
Using the bore for commercial activity (feedlots, agriculture, construction, etc)
Looking to utilise an aquifer deeper than the Superficial aquifer (bores generally deeper than 30 metres)

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Another type of licence is a 26D licence to drill a borehole, which you need in case you are:

Using the bore for commercial activity
Looking to drill into a confined or semi-confined aquifer (bores generally deeper than 60 metres)

To ensure you are compliant with the legislation applicable to you, contact us so we can assess your property and give you specific advice for your situation.

How deep do you have to drill?

Depths can vary greatly depending on the area and target groundwater formation. As a general guideline:

In residential and flat areas, Superficial Mud drilling is about 20 – 50 metres. We drill past the water table and into water-producing sands for better water flow and consistency throughout the year.
In the Perth Hills and inland, Superficial Granite drilling can go anywhere within 30 – 100 metres and beyond. We are targeting a fracture in the rocks underground, and depths can vary greatly.
For Confined Aquifers, the target area can be within the range of 60 – 300 metres, the exact depth will depend on the area the property is in.

If your area is mapped by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, you can get a guide for what depth you should expect for the superficial aquifer. The water maps aren’t always correct – we’ll be happy to give you insights into drilling in your are that we gather from our drilling jobs in your area.

We can give you an estimate of the expected depth for your bore. Contact us today to discuss your bore.

How do I get a bore drilled?

It’s easy – speak to us.

BD Water has all your water bore needs covered. We can construct Level 1 (Superficial or Fractures) and Level 2 (Confined; Mirrabooka and Leederville Aquifers) bores.

Drilling contractors generally specialise in a particular type of drilling and area, where they’re comfortable they’ll get the best results. That’s why we have multiple different rig set-ups and operators to ensure we can get the very best result in every situation. All our drillers are licensed and some of the very best in the business.

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You can otherwise look to engage a drilling service yourself. Unfortunately the quality of work varies greatly in this industry, which can easily result in an undesired outcome. Be careful going for the cheapest service provider, as this can often result in a disappointing outcome when corners are cut and quotes are purposely under-priced to win the job.

How much is a water bore drill in Perth?

It depends heavily on what you’re looking to achieve with the bore and where you’re drilling it.

Costing is generally worked out on a per meter basis, which will include drilling the bore, inserting the PVC casing and air developing of the bore until the water is clear of any muds. Our rates vary depending on the type of drilling, bore construction design, equipment required, size of the bore, etc.

What is an Aquifer?

An aquifer is a body of water below the ground that is made of permeable rock, soil or clay that enables water to flow through it. Aquifers are generally referred to as confined and unconfined.

Unconfined Aquifers (eg. Superficial) are naturally able to transfer water with the environment around it, such as a river, lake or the ground surface above. These are generally closer to the surface. Due to the unconfined nature, these aquifers are readily accessed and can vary greatly in production quantity and quality.
Confined Aquifers (eg. Mirrabooka & Leederville) are separated and contained to a ground layer and area. These can still be extremely large, however, they are naturally sealed from other aquifers and environments, generally via an impermeable layer of clay, and should not blend with other aquifers. These bodies of water can still be accessed via a bore, although it is vital that they are sealed off during the drilling. As these bodies are enclosed, they can often produce very consistent production quantity and quality, usually at higher bore drilling costs, due to the depths and construction specifications required.

Can I be sure I will find water?

In the majority of suburbs, we have a good level of confidence. However, there are some exceptions.

A water bore pulls water from an aquifer or groundwater body, so one needs to be physically present in your property. In some cases, particularly in the Hills and inland, one house can have a consistent and plentiful water supply, and the next door neighbour may not be able to find water!

We are happy to discuss this further if you’d like to contact us. It’s always best to take steps to ensure your property is suitable before we go any further in the consultation process.

Can a water bore be installed anywhere?

No, not everywhere is suitable to find water. There are certain factors that contribute to a higher chance of finding water, such as water bodies, elevation, soil types and property lithology. Our drilling team is experienced in finding the best locations to drill on a property, and our drilling process includes an off-site assessment and on-site inspection to understand the property and advise on the best drilling location within your property. We are also happy to work in a location of your choice.

Finding water isn’t certain, but selecting the best location will increase our odds.

Are the rocks in the soil an issue for bore drilling?

We have a range of drilling rigs and techniques, including mud rotary and air hammer drilling. Our rigs are custom built for drilling in specific soil types around Perth, and across our range, we can get through any material, and drill up to 1,500 metres.

This ensures the drilling process is as smooth as possible, even in tough rocky soils.