Borehole Irrigation Systems connect garden or site irrigation to an existing borehole. The system has to match what the borehole can safely yield and what the water quality allows. This page does not cover drilling.
Describe your borehole once and compare connection quotes.
Compare Borehole Irrigation QuotesWhat the Connection Involves
- Yield. A yield test shows how much water the borehole gives per hour.
- Storage. A tank buffers low-yield boreholes.
- Pumping. Borehole pump plus, often, a booster pump for pressure.
- Filtration. Sand, iron and sediment filters to protect heads and drip.
- Water suitability. A test for iron, salts and hardness.
- Controls. Level switches and pump relays.
Common Set-ups
| Set-up | Suits |
|---|---|
| Borehole pump direct to irrigation | Good yield, simple systems |
| Borehole to tank, booster pump to irrigation | Low yield or larger systems |
| Borehole plus municipal backup | Where yield drops in dry periods |
Problems It Solves
- Watering through municipal restrictions where borehole use is permitted.
- Blocked emitters from untreated water.
- Pumps burning out from running dry.
How It Works
- Send borehole depth, pump details and any test results.
- Contractor checks yield, quality and pump.
- Design storage, pumping and filtration.
- Compare quotes and appoint.
- Install, commission and hand over.
Borehole Irrigation Prices
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Borehole pump | R5,000 - R25,000 |
| Pump installation for irrigation | R3,000 - R30,000 |
| Water quality testing | R1,500 - R3,000 |
| Yield testing | R2,000 - R5,000 |
| Electrical and yearly maintenance | R1,000 - R2,500 per year |
| Water tank | R5,000 - R25,000 |
| Complete borehole irrigation system, including drilling | R50,000 - R100,000 |
Ballpark figures, not quotations. Ranges compiled from price guides published by South African irrigation, building-cost and quote websites, checked 19 October 2026 and rounded where needed. They are not our prices and no contractor is bound by them. Tank prices exclude the stand or slab. Filtration and treatment depend on the water test and are quoted separately. Published guides vary widely, so treat the ranges as a sanity check only. None of the sources state whether VAT is included, so confirm VAT on every quote.
Sources:
- Enviroleg, irrigation borehole prices (updated January 2026)
- Pro Irrigation, the cost of installing an irrigation system in South Africa (April 2025)
- The Handyman Johannesburg, irrigation system installation price (updated February 2026)
What Affects the Price
- Yield and depth.
- Pump size and controls.
- Storage needed.
- Filtration and treatment.
What to Send with Your Enquiry
- Borehole depth and age.
- Pump make and size, if known.
- Yield or water test results.
- What needs watering.
- Your town or suburb.
Compare contractors through Irrigation Installation South Africa or see the Irrigation Systems South Africa overview. Pump sizing: irrigation pump installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my borehole run my irrigation directly?
Sometimes. If yield is low, a tank lets the borehole refill it slowly while irrigation draws from the tank.
Does borehole water damage plants or irrigation?
High iron, salts or hardness can stain, block emitters or harm sensitive plants. A water test shows what filtration or treatment is needed.
Do I need to register my borehole?
Rules on registration and use vary. Check with your municipality and the Department of Water and Sanitation.
How much water can my borehole supply?
Only a yield test tells you. Sizing irrigation on a guess risks drying the borehole or burning out the pump.
Related Services
Irrigation Installation South Africa is a free quote-comparison service. Work is assessed, quoted and carried out by independent contractors, and your agreement is with the contractor you appoint. Ask each one for a written quote, what is and is not included, proof of insurance and the payment terms before paying anything.
Borehole Irrigation Systems. Compare borehole irrigation quotes from independent contractors.
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