Why is My Borehole Water Brown? Nakiso Borehole Drilling Explains

Discovering brown water coming from your borehole can be alarming. It's a clear sign that something isn't right, and understanding the cause is crucial for ensuring the safety and quality of your water supply. At Nakiso Borehole Drilling, we've encountered this issue numerous times, and we're here to shed light on the common reasons behind brown borehole water.



Common Culprits Behind Brown Borehole Water:

  • Iron and Manganese:
    • These are the most frequent culprits. Iron and manganese are naturally occurring minerals found in soil and rock formations.1 When groundwater comes into contact with these minerals, they dissolve and can cause discoloration.
    • Iron typically imparts a reddish-brown or rusty hue, while manganese can result in a darker brown or even black appearance.2
    • These minerals can also cause staining on plumbing fixtures and laundry.3
  • Sediment and Clay:
    • If your borehole was recently drilled or if there's been a disturbance in the surrounding soil, sediment and clay particles can enter the water supply.
    • This can lead to a cloudy or muddy brown appearance.
    • Also, if the borehole casing has been compromised, or if the screen at the bottom of the borehole has been damaged, then sediment can enter the water.4
  • Tannins:
    • Tannins can leach into groundwater in areas with abundant vegetation or organic matter.5
    • Tannins are natural organic compounds that can cause a yellowish-brown or tea-colored tint to the water.6
    • These are more common in areas with many trees, or swamps.
  • Decaying Organic Matter:
    • Decomposing plant or animal matter can contaminate the groundwater, leading to discoloration and potential bacterial growth.7
    • This is less common in properly constructed boreholes but can happen if surface water enters the borehole.
  • Corrosion:
    • If your borehole casing, pipes, or pump are corroding, rust particles can enter the water, causing a brown discoloration.8
    • Older boreholes are more susceptible to this issue.

What Should You Do?

If you're experiencing brown borehole water, it's essential to take the following steps:

  • Avoid Consuming the Water: Until you've determined the cause and resolved the issue, refrain from drinking or cooking with the discolored water.
  • Contact Nakiso Borehole Drilling: Our experienced team can assess your borehole and water quality to identify the source of the problem. We offer comprehensive water testing and filtration solutions.
  • Water Testing: A professional water test is crucial to determine the specific contaminants present in your water.9 This will help us recommend the appropriate treatment options.
  • Filtration and Treatment: Depending on the cause of the discoloration, we can recommend and install suitable filtration systems, such as iron removal filters, sediment filters, or water softeners.
  • Borehole Inspection: We can also conduct a thorough inspection of your borehole to identify any structural issues or potential sources of contamination.

Nakiso Borehole Drilling: Your Trusted Partner

At Nakiso Borehole Drilling, we understand the importance of clean and safe water. We're committed to providing our clients with reliable borehole drilling and water treatment solutions. If you're facing brown borehole water or any other water quality concerns, don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you ensure a healthy and sustainable water supply.

Don't let brown water disrupt your life. Contact Nakiso Borehole Drilling today for expert assistance!



Nakiso Borehole Drilling: Your Trusted Partner for Safe, Sustainable Water Access

At Nakiso Borehole Drilling, we are your comprehensive partner for unlocking reliable water on your property. Our highly skilled team tackles all drilling projects, from standard boreholes to specialized Blast Hole and RC Drilling. We handle everything in-house for a seamless experience, encompassing expert borehole siting, efficient drilling, and pump installation – solar, electric, or manual – tailored to your specific needs. With Nakiso, your reliable water source is just a drill away.

We don't just strive to be the best; we maintain the industry's strictest quality standards and are committed to sustainable practices for the future of Zimbabwe's water security.

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Five Facts About Borehole Drilling That You Need To Take Note Of:
1. Know Your Borehole Casings:The Preferred Borehole Casing In Zimbabwe Is Class 9 and 10 (Pressure Classes.)This is because Class 9 and Class 10 Casings are more collapse resistant. The strength of a Casing is often described as collapse resistance.

2. Borehole Drilling Depth: The exact depth, of where the water is located, cannot be established by the drilling contractor nor the Water Surveyor (Borehole Siter).

3. The Is No 100% Guarantee On Water: It is important to note that it is never a 100% guarantee that any hole will yield water, the amount and water quality can also not be guaranteed by the drilling contractor and water surveyor.

4. Borehole Siting or Water Surveying Is Important: Making use of a hydrologist or traditional water diviner will increase your chances of having a successful borehole that will yield a sufficient amount of water.

5. Know The Risks: The risk of the borehole drilling lies with the property owner. The client will still be liable for the drilling costs irrespective of a borehole yielding water or not.

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The Reliable Choice for Borehole Drilling in Zimbabwe

Frustrated with unreliable water access? Look no further than Nakiso Borehole Drilling! Our team of water well experts boasts extensive experience and knowledge, tackling any type of borehole installation you may require.

Worried about the technicalities? Relax – Nakiso Borehole Drilling streamlines the entire process, from the initial step of meticulously selecting the optimal borehole location on your property to the final pump installation. And when it comes to pumps, we offer a variety of options to suit your needs and preferences. Choose from solar-powered pumps, a sustainable and eco-friendly solution, or opt for the convenience of electrical pumps. For those seeking a more traditional approach, manual bush pumps are also available.

With Nakiso Borehole Drilling, you benefit from a comprehensive water solution – all delivered by a single, trusted provider. Let us help you unlock a reliable and long-lasting source of water for your home or business.

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