Borewell FAQ
Borewell Drilling FAQs: Your Questions Answered for Hyderabad & Secunderabad
Introduction
Considering a borewell for your property in Hyderabad or Secunderabad? You probably have dozens of questions about costs, permissions, drilling depth, success rates, and more. This comprehensive FAQ guide answers the most common questions we receive from homeowners, businesses, and agricultural property owners across the twin cities.
Whether you’re in Gachibowli, Secunderabad, Kompally, or Shamshabad, these answers will help you make informed decisions about your borewell project.
Cost and Pricing Questions
What is the borewell drilling cost per feet in Hyderabad?
Borewell drilling costs vary based on depth and diameter. For 4.5 inch borewells, costs range from approximately ₹80-150 per foot for initial depths, increasing to ₹150-250 per foot for deeper sections beyond 400 feet. For 6.5 inch borewells, expect ₹150-250 per foot initially, rising to ₹250-400 per foot at greater depths.
These are approximate rates. Actual costs depend on your location, rock hardness, contractor rates, and current market conditions as set by the Greater Hyderabad Rig Owners Association.
What is the total cost for a 500-foot borewell in Hyderabad?
A typical 500-foot, 4.5 inch borewell in Hyderabad costs between ₹70,000 to ₹1,00,000 including drilling charges, casing pipes (5 inch and 7 inch), rod flushing, labor, and transport. This does not include submersible pump and electrical installation.
For a 500-foot, 6.5 inch borewell, expect ₹1,20,000 to ₹1,80,000 for the same scope of work.
Add ₹15,000-50,000 for pump, ₹10,000-30,000 for electrical work, and ₹20,000-1,00,000 for water treatment if needed.
Is robo borewell drilling more expensive?
Yes, robo borewell drilling typically costs 15-30% more than traditional drilling due to specialized equipment and trained operators. However, for space-constrained locations where traditional rigs cannot operate, robo drilling is often the only option, making the premium worthwhile.
What is included in borewell drilling quotations?
Reputable contractors provide detailed quotations breaking down drilling charges per depth slab (0-100 feet, 101-200 feet, etc.), casing pipe charges per foot for different diameters, rod flushing charges (typically ₹50-100 per foot), labor and transport charges (lump sum), and additional services like pump installation if included.
Always ask for itemized quotations to understand exactly what you’re paying for.
Are there hidden costs in borewell drilling?
Transparent contractors disclose all costs upfront. However, be aware of potential additional charges like extra charges if drilling exceeds estimated depth, premium rates for exceptionally hard rock, costs for abandoned attempts if no water is found, permit and documentation fees, and charges for water testing and treatment systems.
Always clarify what happens if drilling needs to go deeper than initially estimated.
How can I get the best borewell drilling price in Hyderabad?
Get quotations from multiple licensed contractors, typically 3-5 quotes help you understand the market rate. Compare like-for-like including depth, diameter, casing quality, and services included. Don’t automatically choose the cheapest quote as quality matters significantly. Check contractor reputation and references. Negotiate professionally but understand that very low prices may indicate poor quality or hidden charges.
The goal is best value, not just lowest cost.
Drilling Depth Questions
How deep should a borewell be in Hyderabad?
Depth requirements vary by location. In most urban areas of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, borewells range from 300-800 feet. Some areas like parts of Gachibowli, Madhapur, and Kondapur find water at 350-600 feet. Areas like Kompally, Medchal, and northern suburbs may need 500-900 feet. Shamshabad, Tukkuguda, and southern areas often require 600-1200 feet. Agricultural areas can vary widely from 400-1500 feet.
Your contractor should drill until reaching a productive aquifer with adequate yield, not just a predetermined depth.
What is the maximum depth for borewell drilling in Hyderabad?
Modern drilling equipment in Hyderabad can reach depths of 2000-2500 feet. The deepest borewells in the city exceed 2000 feet, though most successful borewells are between 400-1000 feet. Drilling beyond 1000 feet significantly increases costs and may not be economically viable unless absolutely necessary.
How do I know how deep to drill?
Professional contractors use several indicators including geological surveys of your area, knowledge from previous borewells in your neighborhood, water indicators encountered during drilling, and test pumping to verify adequate yield.
Experienced drillers familiar with Hyderabad’s geology can provide good estimates, but the exact depth needed is only confirmed during drilling.
Can I drill deeper if the initial depth doesn’t give enough water?
Yes, if your existing borewell has inadequate yield, you can deepen it. This is called re-drilling or borewell deepening. The process involves pulling out the existing casing, drilling deeper into new aquifers, installing new casing to the greater depth, and test pumping to verify improved yield.
Deepening costs are typically similar to new drilling on a per-foot basis.
Do deeper borewells always give more water?
Not necessarily. Water yield depends on aquifer characteristics, not just depth. Sometimes shallow aquifers yield more than deeper ones. A 400-foot borewell might produce 5 inches while a 700-foot borewell produces only 2 inches if the deeper level has less permeable rock.
Quality drilling that identifies the best aquifer matters more than simply drilling deeper.
Permissions and Legal Questions
Do I need permission to drill a borewell in Hyderabad?
Yes, the Water, Land and Trees Act (WALTA) of Telangana requires permission from your local Mandal Revenue Officer (MRO) before drilling borewells.
How do I get borewell drilling permission in Hyderabad?
Visit your local MRO office with property ownership documents (sale deed, patta, or tax receipts). Submit the borewell application form with property details, proposed location, and purpose. Pay the applicable fees (usually a few hundred rupees). The office may conduct a site inspection and grant permission with specific conditions.
The process typically takes 1-2 weeks, though timelines vary by office.
What happens if I drill without permission?
Drilling without permission violates WALTA Act provisions and can result in fines and penalties, orders to seal the unauthorized borewell, difficulty getting municipal approvals for construction, and issues if selling the property later.
Always obtain proper permissions before drilling.
Are there areas in Hyderabad where borewell drilling is restricted?
Yes, some areas have restrictions or special requirements including notified groundwater critical zones, areas near lakes and water bodies, heritage zones, and locations near protected infrastructure.
Check with your MRO office about any specific restrictions for your locality.
Can I drill multiple borewells on my property?
Generally yes, if your property is large enough and you follow spacing requirements. However, maintain proper spacing between borewells (typically 50-100 feet minimum), obtain permissions for each borewell, and practice sustainable extraction to avoid depleting the aquifer.
Large properties, agricultural lands, and commercial complexes often have multiple borewells for redundancy and capacity.
Success Rate and Water Availability
What is the success rate of finding water in Hyderabad borewells?
Success rates vary by area and depth. In most parts of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, experienced contractors achieve 85-95% success rates when drilling to adequate depths. Success is higher in areas with known groundwater potential and when drilling is done by experienced contractors familiar with local geology.
Complete failures are relatively rare if drilling continues to sufficient depth.
Which areas in Hyderabad have the best water availability?
Generally, areas with better groundwater recharge include localities near lakes and water bodies (Hussain Sagar periphery, Shamirpet Lake area), areas with good rainfall infiltration (parts of Kompally, Medchal), regions with favorable geology (some parts of Gachibowli, Kondapur), and areas with active rainwater harvesting practices.
However, water can be found in most Hyderabad locations with adequate drilling depth.
Can I check water availability before drilling?
While no method guarantees water, several approaches help assess probability including geological surveys by professionals, water divining or coconut surveys (traditional methods), checking with neighbors about their borewell depths and yields, and consulting experienced contractors familiar with your area.
What if no water is found in my borewell?
If initial drilling doesn’t find water, options include drilling deeper to reach new aquifers, attempting drilling at an alternate location on your property, consulting geologists about geological conditions, or in worst cases, accepting failure and exploring alternatives like rainwater harvesting or tanker supply.
Discuss guarantee or refund policies with contractors before starting work.
How many inches of water yield is good for a home?
For residential properties in Hyderabad, 2-3 inches of water yield is generally adequate for a typical household. This translates to approximately 2000-4000 liters per hour, sufficient for daily needs including drinking, cooking, bathing, washing, and garden maintenance.
Larger homes or those with swimming pools may need 4-6 inches or more.
Water Quality Questions
Is borewell water safe to drink in Hyderabad?
Not automatically. While groundwater is often cleaner than surface water, it should be tested before consuming. Common issues in Hyderabad borewell water include hardness (calcium and magnesium), elevated TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), iron and manganese causing staining and taste issues, and bacterial contamination in some areas.
Always test water and install appropriate treatment systems for drinking use.
How do I test borewell water quality?
Contact certified water testing laboratories in Hyderabad. Basic testing costs ₹1000-3000 and includes pH, hardness, TDS, iron, bacterial count, and major minerals. Comprehensive testing costs ₹5000-10,000 and includes heavy metals, pesticides, and detailed chemical analysis.
Test immediately after drilling completion and annually thereafter for drinking water sources.
What water treatment do I need for Hyderabad borewells?
Treatment requirements depend on your water quality test results. Common needs include water softeners for hardness, RO systems for high TDS and drinking water purification, iron removal filters for iron/manganese, UV sterilization for bacterial disinfection, and sediment filters for clarity.
Many homes use a multi-stage approach: sediment filter, water softener, and RO for drinking water.
Can borewell water be used for drinking without treatment?
Only if testing confirms it meets drinking water standards for all parameters including bacterial safety, TDS levels, mineral content, and pH. Even if water appears clean, testing is essential. Many Hyderabad borewells have elevated TDS or hardness making some treatment advisable even if water is bacterially safe.
Don’t assume untested water is safe for consumption.
Technical and Process Questions
How long does borewell drilling take in Hyderabad?
For residential borewells, drilling to 400-600 feet typically takes 3-5 days including mobilization, drilling, casing installation, and flushing. Deeper commercial borewells of 800-1000 feet may require 7-10 days. Weather, rock hardness, and equipment issues can extend timelines.
After drilling, pump installation and testing add 1-2 days.
What is the difference between 4.5 inch and 6.5 inch borewells?
4.5 inch borewells: Designed for residential/domestic use with typical yield of 1-3 inches, suitable for single homes and small plots, lower drilling and casing costs, and adequate for household consumption and garden watering.
6.5 inch borewells: Designed for commercial/high-capacity use with typical yield of 3-10+ inches, suitable for apartments, commercial buildings, agriculture, higher costs but greater water output, and able to accommodate larger submersible pumps.
Can I convert my open well to a borewell?
Yes, this is a common practice in Hyderabad. Drilling inside an existing open well can tap deeper aquifers while preserving the well structure. The process involves stabilizing the well structure, drilling from the well bottom to greater depths, installing casing and submersible pump, and potentially using the well for water storage.
This is particularly useful when open wells run dry seasonally but the structure is sound.
What is pipe flushing in borewell drilling?
Pipe flushing or rod flushing is a critical step after drilling. It involves high-pressure cleaning to remove drilling mud, sediment, and debris, open up aquifer pores and fractures for better water flow, and verify the borewell’s actual yield capacity.
Flushing typically costs ₹50-100 per foot and takes several hours to complete.
What type of pump do I need for my borewell?
Pump selection depends on borewell depth (greater depth needs higher head pressure), water yield in inches, and total head (depth plus height to overhead tank). Daily water consumption and peak demand also factor in.
For typical Hyderabad homes with 500-foot borewells, a 0.5-1 HP submersible pump is usually adequate. Apartments and commercial properties may need 2-5 HP or larger.
Consult with your contractor for proper pump sizing.
Maintenance Questions
How often should borewells be maintained?
Recommended maintenance schedule includes monthly visual checks of pump operation and water quality, quarterly water level measurements and pump performance tests, annual professional inspection and cleaning, and pump servicing every 2-3 years.
Regular maintenance prevents major failures and extends borewell life.
What is the lifespan of a borewell in Hyderabad?
With proper maintenance and sustainable use, borewells can function for 20-30 years or more. However, lifespan depends on aquifer sustainability, pumping practices (not over-extracting), water quality (corrosive water shortens life), regular maintenance, and groundwater management in your area.
Submersible pumps typically need replacement every 5-10 years regardless of borewell condition.
How do I increase water yield in my existing borewell?
If yield has decreased, try borewell cleaning and flushing to remove deposits, check if the pump is positioned at optimal depth, verify pump is functioning efficiently, consider deepening if aquifer below is available, and implement rainwater harvesting to recharge the aquifer.
Sometimes reduced yield indicates aquifer depletion requiring conservation measures.
Can borewells run dry?
Yes, borewells can experience reduced water or complete failure due to aquifer depletion from over-extraction, seasonal variations (lower in summer), increased pumping by neighboring borewells, drought conditions affecting recharge, or changes in land use affecting groundwater.
Sustainable use and recharge initiatives help prevent this.
Choosing Contractors
How do I find reliable borewell contractors in Hyderabad?
Get referrals from neighbors with successful borewells, check online reviews and testimonials, verify membership in drilling associations, ask for references from recent projects in your area, and interview multiple contractors before deciding.
Local reputation and experience in your specific area of Hyderabad matters significantly.
What should I check before hiring a borewell contractor?
Verify they have proper equipment for your depth requirements, confirm experience in your locality, get detailed written quotations, check licenses and permissions to operate, ask about their success rate locally, and discuss guarantees and what happens if water isn’t found.
Never pay the full amount upfront—use a staged payment schedule.
Should I choose the cheapest contractor?
No. While cost matters, the cheapest option often indicates poor equipment, inexperienced operators, hidden charges to be added later, or cutting corners on critical steps like flushing.
Focus on value—combination of fair pricing, quality equipment, experienced team, and good reputation.
What guarantees do contractors provide?
Reputable contractors typically offer guaranteed drilling to specified depth, commitment to identify and drill through water-bearing zones, proper casing installation, and yield testing before pump installation.
Few guarantee specific water yield as this depends on geological factors beyond their control. Discuss guarantee terms clearly before contracting.
Special Situations
Can I drill a borewell in my apartment complex?
Yes, if you have appropriate space and permissions. Many Hyderabad apartment complexes have borewells for common water supply. Requirements include obtaining society approval, securing MRO permissions, ensuring adequate space for drilling rig or robo equipment, and designating space for pump room and electrical setup.
Cost is typically shared among residents.
What if my property has limited space for drilling?
Consider robo borewell drilling which requires minimal space (6-8 feet clearance), can drill in courtyards and small yards, operates under-roof in some cases, and accesses areas through narrow passages.
Robo drilling solves space constraints for most urban Hyderabad properties.
Can I drill a borewell after construction is complete?
Yes, this is common in Hyderabad. Options include robo drilling inside or adjacent to the building, drilling in parking areas or side yards, or in some cases, drilling through basement floors.
Many homeowners add borewells to existing properties when municipal supply proves inadequate.
Should I implement rainwater harvesting with my borewell?
Absolutely. Rainwater harvesting recharges your borewell’s aquifer, extends borewell lifespan, improves water availability during dry seasons, and is environmentally responsible.
The Telangana government encourages rainwater harvesting, especially for new constructions.
Conclusion
Borewell drilling in Hyderabad and Secunderabad involves many considerations, but with proper information, you can make confident decisions. Whether you’re drilling your first borewell or replacing a failed one, understanding costs, processes, and best practices ensures a successful project.
Work with experienced contractors, obtain necessary permissions, plan for adequate depth and capacity, and commit to proper maintenance. Your investment in a quality borewell provides water security and independence for many years.
Still have questions? Contact reputable borewell drilling contractors in Hyderabad who can provide specific guidance for your situation and location.
Ready to drill a borewell in Hyderabad or Secunderabad? Get detailed quotations from experienced contractors, verify their credentials and local reputation, clarify all costs and guarantees upfront, and proceed with confidence knowing you’ve made an informed choice.
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