How to Choose the Right Bore for Your Property

mastermcc3
Aug 20
5 min read

Choosing the right bore is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your property. Whether you need a reliable water source for your household, irrigation for your farm, or a high-volume supply for commercial use, the type of bore you select will directly impact cost, efficiency, and long-term performance.

At Silver City Drilling, we’ve helped property owners, farmers, and businesses across Australia make informed choices about water bores. This guide explains the different types of bores, factors to consider, costs involved, and how to ensure your investment delivers safe, sustainable water for years to come.

What Is a Water Bore?

A water bore is a hole drilled into the ground to access groundwater stored in aquifers. Once drilled, it can be fitted with casing, pumps, and pipes to supply water to homes, farms, or businesses.

Bores vary greatly in depth, flow rate, and construction depending on the property’s geology and intended use. Selecting the correct bore type ensures you avoid overspending or drilling an unsuitable system that fails to meet your needs.

Types of Bores for Your Property

1. Stock & Domestic Bores

Purpose: Designed for household and livestock use
Depth: Shallow to medium depth
Cost: Lower compared to other bores
Benefits:
- Reliable water supply for drinking, cleaning, and gardening
- Cost-effective to drill and maintain
- Often require fewer approvals compared to large-scale bores

👉 Best suited for rural households or small farms needing a consistent water supply.

2. Irrigation & Horticultural Bores

Purpose: Built for agricultural properties requiring large water volumes
Depth: Typically deeper than domestic bores
Cost: Higher due to scale and equipment required
Benefits:
- Supports large-scale farming, vineyards, and horticulture
- Designed to handle heavy, seasonal demand
- Requires licensed drillers for compliance

👉 Perfect for farmers and horticultural businesses needing high-capacity water sources.

3. Artesian Bores

Purpose: Tap into natural pressurised aquifers
Depth: Can exceed 1,600 metres
Cost: Higher due to depth and complexity
Benefits:
- Naturally flowing water supply (reducing pumping needs)
- High-yield, continuous source of water
- Suitable for commercial, mining, and large agricultural projects

👉 Ideal for large-scale operations that need a powerful, long-term water source.

4. Monitoring Bores

Purpose: Track groundwater quality, flow, and environmental conditions
Depth: Varies based on testing requirements
Cost: Moderate
Benefits:
- Essential for environmental compliance
- Used by the mining, agriculture, and construction industries
- Allows long-term water monitoring and reporting

👉 Essential for regulatory compliance in mining and industrial projects.

Quick Comparison Table

Bore Type	Best For	Depth Range	Cost Level	Main Advantage
Stock & Domestic	Households, livestock	Shallow–Medium	$$	Reliable & affordable supply
Irrigation	Farms, horticulture	Medium–Deep	$$$	High volume for agriculture
Artesian	Commercial, large-scale projects	Deep (to 1,600m)	$$$$	Naturally pressurised water
Monitoring	Testing & compliance	Variable	$$	Regulatory reporting & testing

Key Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Bore

What’s the primary use of the bore? (Household, livestock, irrigation, commercial, compliance?)
How much water do you need daily or seasonally? (Smaller bores may not handle peak agricultural demand.)
What are the geological conditions of your area? (Some locations are better suited for artesian systems.)
What are the regulatory requirements? (Permits, licenses, and environmental approvals may apply.)
What’s your budget for drilling and long-term maintenance? (Initial drilling is only part of the cost—pumping, casing, and servicing add up.)

Factors That Influence Bore Choice

1. Geology & Water Table

The depth and quality of water in your area determine whether a shallow domestic bore or a deep artesian bore is possible.

2. Water Demand

A household with four people will need a much smaller bore than a 500-hectare farm or a mining operation.

3. Regulatory Compliance

Water drilling requires permits and approvals, especially for high-capacity bores. Working with licensed drillers ensures you meet all legal obligations.

4. Budget & Costs

Domestic bores: $3,000 – $7,000 (depending on depth and location)
Irrigation bores: $10,000 – $50,000+ (large farms require heavy infrastructure)
Artesian bores: $50,000+ (deep drilling and casing add significant costs)

5. Maintenance Needs

Regular servicing, pump replacement, and water quality testing are crucial for long-term performance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Bore

Drilling without a proper hydrogeological survey
Underestimating future water needs
Ignoring ongoing maintenance costs
Choosing unlicensed drillers can result in non-compliant or unsafe bores
Not considering environmental impacts

Q: How do I choose the right bore for my property? A: To choose the right bore, first identify your water needs, check local groundwater conditions, compare bore types (domestic, irrigation, artesian, monitoring), confirm regulatory requirements, and consult a licensed driller for professional advice.

Steps to Choosing the Right Bore

Assess your water requirements – household, farming, or commercial.
Conduct a geological survey – understand groundwater availability.
Select the right bore type – match it with your intended use.
Secure permits & approvals – ensure compliance before drilling.
Hire experienced licensed drillers – guarantees safe and efficient installation.
Plan for maintenance – factor in long-term costs and servicing.

Conclusion

Choosing the right bore for your property isn’t just about drilling—it’s about securing a long-term water solution tailored to your needs. With the right planning, permits, and expert guidance, you can enjoy a safe, reliable supply for decades.

At Silver City Drilling, we bring over 20 years of experience in water, mineral, oil & gas, and geothermal drilling. From domestic bores to complex artesian systems, our licensed team delivers cost-effective, compliant, and sustainable solutions.

👉 Contact us today for expert advice and a tailored drilling solution for your property.

FAQs: Choosing the Right Bore for Your Property

1. How long does a water bore last?

A properly constructed and maintained water bore can last 20–50 years or more. The lifespan depends on factors such as geology, construction quality, water chemistry, and regular servicing. Regular pump maintenance and water testing can extend its useful life.

2. How much water can I get from a bore?

The yield of a bore varies widely depending on the aquifer and location.

Domestic bores may produce 1,000–5,000 litres per day.
Irrigation bores can yield tens of thousands of litres daily.
Artesian bores often provide continuous, high-volume flow.

A professional hydrogeological survey is the best way to predict yield before drilling.

3. Do I need a license to drill a bore in Australia?

Yes, in most states and territories, you need permits or licenses to drill a bore, especially for irrigation, commercial, or artesian systems. Domestic bores may have lighter requirements, but regulations vary by region. Always check with your local water authority.

4. Is bore water safe to drink?

Bore water is not automatically safe for human consumption. It should be tested for contaminants such as bacteria, heavy metals, and chemicals before being used for drinking. Many domestic users install filtration or treatment systems to ensure safety.

5. What is the cost of drilling a bore?

Costs vary by bore type, depth, and geology:

Domestic bores: $3,000 – $7,000
Irrigation bores: $10,000 – $50,000+
Artesian bores: $50,000+

Additional expenses include pumps, casing, and long-term maintenance.