Most Benoni boreholes only water the garden. Using the water inside the house can cut your municipal bill and keep taps running during outages, but it needs more care than irrigation.
Step 1: Test the water first
Borehole water can look clear and still contain bacteria, nitrates, iron, manganese or high hardness. Have a lab test done before you connect it to the house, and again after any treatment is installed. See borehole water testing and borehole water smell or colour.
Step 2: Choose what the water will be used for
| Use | Typical treatment needed |
|---|---|
| Toilets only | Sediment filter; sometimes iron removal to stop staining |
| Showers, basins, washing machine | Sediment filter, iron/manganese removal if present, softening if very hard |
| Drinking and cooking | All of the above plus disinfection (UV or chlorination), based on the test results |
Many households use borehole water for toilets and laundry, and keep municipal water for the kitchen.
Common treatment equipment
- Sediment filters remove sand and silt.
- Iron and manganese filters stop orange or black stains and metallic taste.
- Water softeners reduce scale in geysers and kettles.
- UV sterilisers kill bacteria without chemicals; they need clear water and electricity.
- Activated carbon improves taste and smell.
Filters need regular maintenance. Budget for cartridges, UV lamps and servicing.
Step 3: Keep it separate from municipal water
Never connect borehole water directly to your municipal supply. A plumber must install a proper separation and backflow protection so borehole water can't flow back into the city mains. Many setups feed the house from a tank and booster pump, with a changeover valve to municipal water.
Rules to know
- The City of Ekurhuleni requires approval before drilling. See borehole rules in Ekurhuleni.
- Plumbing changes must be done by a registered plumber and comply with the city's water by-laws.
Who to call
A borehole company can advise on yield and pump setup, a water treatment specialist on filtration, and a plumber on the house connection. See borehole pump installation and repair in Benoni and is a borehole worth it?