Getting water from a borehole is simpler than most people expect. Underground water — called groundwater — sits in geological formations called aquifers. A borehole is a narrow hole drilled through rock to reach that aquifer. A pump moves the water up to a storage tank. The tank supplies your taps by gravity. That's the whole system.
The Journey: Aquifer to Your Tap
1. Groundwater in the aquifer
Rain seeps through soil and rock over decades, accumulating in permeable underground zones. This is what your borehole reaches.
2. The borehole
A narrow hole drilled to the aquifer — typically 25–80m deep in Ghana. Lined with PVC casing to prevent collapse and surface contamination.
3. The submersible pump
Sits inside the casing below the water level. Pushes water up the rising main pipe to the surface whenever it runs.
4. The storage tank
Overhead tank (typically 2,000–5,000 litres) filled during pump operating hours. Supplies all taps by gravity — day and night.
Is Water From a Borehole Safe to Drink?
It depends on your location and how the borehole was sited and constructed. Correctly drilled and tested borehole water is safe. Poorly sited boreholes — particularly those near latrines, septic tanks or industrial sites — can carry bacteria or chemical contamination that is undetectable without laboratory testing. Always test before drinking.
Read the full guide: Borehole water — what it is and whether it is safe.
What Does Getting Water From a Borehole Cost in Ghana?
| Component | Cost range |
|---|---|
| Site assessment (pre-drill survey) | GH₵1,000–1,500 |
| Drilling (per metre) | GH₵180–280/metre |
| PVC casing and installation | GH₵1,500–3,500 |
| Submersible pump (Italian-standard) | GH₵2,500–6,000 |
| Overhead storage tank (2,000L) | GH₵800–1,500 |
| Pipework and distribution | GH₵500–1,500 |
| Water quality test | GH₵300–600 |
| Complete domestic system | GH₵12,000–28,000 |
Solar vs Grid Power for Your Borehole Pump
Your pump needs power to run. Two options: connect to the ECG grid (lower upfront cost, ongoing electricity bills, stops during power outages) or fit a solar system (higher upfront cost, zero electricity bills, works during ECG outages). For most Ghana situations, solar is the better long-term value. See: Solar vs grid borehole — which is better?
Ready to get water from a borehole?
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