The Complete Guide to Borehole Water Filtration in South Africa

Wondering if borehole water is safe to drink? This guide explains how water filtration systems work and how to choose the right one for your needs.

Why Borehole Water Needs Filtration

While borehole water is often cleaner than surface water, it can still contain natural minerals, bacteria, or contaminants from soil, farming runoff, or outdated infrastructure. Filtration ensures your water is safe for daily use — from drinking to bathing and cooking. According to the Department of Water and Sanitation, even groundwater sources can become polluted over time without proper treatment.

Common Borehole Water Contaminants

Iron & Manganese: Causes staining and bad taste
Hardness (Calcium & Magnesium): Leads to scale buildup in pipes and appliances
Coliform Bacteria: Indicator of possible harmful pathogens
Nitrates: Dangerous to infants and pregnant women
Sand & Sediment: Can clog plumbing and reduce system efficiency

Types of Borehole Water Filtration Systems

There’s no one-size-fits-all filter. The best system depends on your water test results. At One Touch Pump & Drilling, we recommend these options:

Sediment Filters: First line of defense to remove sand and dirt
Activated Carbon Filters: Removes chlorine, odour, and organic compounds
UV Sterilizers: Kills bacteria and viruses without chemicals
Reverse Osmosis (RO): Removes dissolved solids and provides drinking-grade water
Iron & Manganese Filters: Oxidizes and removes metal contaminants

Need help deciding? Visit Water Africa for more insight on filter types and specs.

Steps to Filter Your Borehole Water

Test Your Water: This identifies exactly what needs filtering. We provide comprehensive borehole testing across KZN.
Select a System: Based on results, choose one or more filtration units suited to your water profile.
Install with a Professional: Our team ensures clean plumbing and optimal system performance.
Maintain Regularly: Filters need replacing periodically. UV bulbs and RO membranes must be maintained too.

Is Borehole Water Safe to Drink After Filtration?

Yes! With the right system in place, your borehole water can be as clean — or cleaner — than municipal water. Many South Africans rely on filtered borehole water for all their daily needs. For additional water safety tips, visit Rand Water – Water Wise.

Need a Filtration System for Your Borehole?

One Touch Pump & Drilling installs high-quality water filtration systems across Pietermaritzburg, Durban, and throughout KwaZulu-Natal. Whether you need a simple sediment filter or a full reverse osmosis system, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to schedule a water test and get a personalized filtration recommendation.