OPERATIONS PLAN

Boreholes are one of the best means of obtaining clean water in field conditions. However,
constructing, or repairing, boreholes requires specialized knowledge and technical expertise,
much of which can be gained from the standard literature; but field operations in remote areas
or in difficult conditions often require flexibility and imagination in avoiding and solving technical
problems. This review is intended as a decision-making tool to assist in making cost-effective
choices between borehole drilling methods, and in deciding whether to drill new boreholes or
rehabilitate existing sites. The end result should be a cost-effective facility capable of supplying
potable water for many years.

FACILITIES

Existing or proposed borehole disposal facilities exhibit a wide range of diameters and depths,
including shafts and small diameter boreholes sunk to various depths. While the present Safety
Guide is relevant for all these possibilities, its main focus is on boreholes having a diameter of
no more than a few hundred millimeters and a depth beyond a few tens of meters and up to a
few hundred meters (i.e. the depth range between near surface .

All facilities and activities, waste disposal activities, are established in the Fundamental Safety
Principles. The borehole disposal facilities are used to dispose of waste at a range of depths,
from depths associated with near surface disposal to depths approaching those associated with
geological disposal, and because of the nature of the waste intended for disposal, guidance
needs to be provided on how the safety requirements for both geological disposal and near
surface disposal can be met for these facilities.

EQUIPMENT

The drilling rig

The type of rig chosen may be determined on the basis of the site geology, the anticipated
depths of the boreholes, and their expected diameters. Access is an important consideration. All
drilling machines, except the smallest units capable of being dismantled and reassembled on
site, require transportation: a road may have to be cut through bush to reach a location

Percussion drilling

Mechanical winching obviously improves the effectiveness of percussion drilling (light cable tool
rigs), and a number of useful choices are available. One example is the Forager 55 cable-trailer
rig, it can be transported easily to inaccessible sites. The tripod frame can be erected by one
person; and the heart of the system is a small free-fall winch, which hoists and drops the tool-
set to drill the hole. Power can be provided either mechanically or hydraulically. However, this
kind of rig is not adapted to hard formations or sediments containing blocks.

Heavy duty cable tool

Heavy-duty cable tool percussion drilling rigs are truck or trailer-mounted and powered by a
large diesel engine driving a cable winch. To add extra weight and drilling power, a ‘sinker’ – or
heavy solid steel bar – is fitted above the chisel like cutting tool. This usually improves borehole
straightness and verticality.

Rotary drilling

Industrial rotary rigs are truck or trailer-mounted, but small and extremely powerful machines
often cost-effective for humanitarian projects, are also on the market .The system is powered by
a small petrol engine in a mounting that can slide up and down a three-legged mast. It is
recommended only for mud drilling in alluvial conditions.

The value for money invested over the long term. Boreholes are drilled to function for a lifespan
of 20 to 50 years. Thus, the lowest cost is not always the most cost-effective, particularly if
construction quality is compromised to save money. Cheap drilling or poor construction quality
can lead to premature failure of the well or contamination of the water supply. Boreholes that
are subsequently abandoned by the users are clearly not cost-effective.

Nine Principles for Cost-Effective Boreholes

Principle 1 Professional Drilling Enterprises and Consultants:

Construction of drilled water wells and supervision is undertaken by professional and competent
organisations which adhere to national standards and are regulated by the public sector.

Principle 2 Siting - Appropriate siting practices are utilised.

Principle 3 Construction Method - The construction method chosen for the borehole is the most
economical, considering the design and available techniques in-country. Drilling technology
needs to match the borehole design.

Principle 4 Procurement - Procurement procedures ensure that contracts are awarded to

experienced and qualified consultants and drilling contractors.

Principle 5 Design and Construction - The borehole design is cost-effective, designed to last for
a lifespan of 20 to 50 years and based on the minimum specification to provide a borehole
which is fit for its intended purpose.

Principle 6 Contract Management, Supervision and Payment -Adequate arrangements are in

place to ensure proper contract management, supervision and timely payment of the drilling
contractor.

Principle 7 Data and Information - High quality hydrogeological and borehole construction data
for each well is collected in a standard format and submitted to the relevant Government
authority.
Principle 8 Database and Record Keeping - Storage of hydrogeological data is undertaken by a
central Government institution with records updated and information made freely available and
used in preparing subsequent drilling specifications.

Principle 9 Monitoring - Regular visits to completed boreholes are made to monitor their
functionality in the medium as well as long term with the findings published.