Water Management
Muslima Alia
A borewell is a deep, narrow shaft drilled into the earth to access groundwater stored in underground aquifers. It serves as a critical water source for many homes, farms, and industrial facilities, especially in areas where surface water is limited or unavailable. Borewells are widely used across India to meet daily water needs, making them a vital part of rural and urban water infrastructure.
What is the Importance of borewells?
The importance lies in their ability to provide a dependable and consistent water supply. In places with irregular rainfall, dried-up rivers, or low municipal supply, borewells ensure that water is available for essential uses like drinking, cooking, farming, and sanitation. They help reduce dependence on external sources and play a crucial role in agricultural productivity and self-sufficiency.
How Does a Borewell Work?
A borewell is a deep, narrow hole drilled into the ground to access underground water. The process begins with a machine drilling a vertical hole, usually between 100 and 1,500 feet deep, depending on the location and water table.
Before drilling, a geophysical survey is often carried out to find the most suitable spot. Simply put:
1) Sensors are placed in the ground to send and read signals.
2) A computer processes these signals to create a map of underground layers, the water table, aquifers (where water is stored), and impermeable rock.
3) This shows how deep the water is, how thick the aquifer layer is, and the best place to drill.
4) Based on this information, the borewell’s location and depth are decided, ensuring it is not dry and provides a good yield.
Once the location is chosen and the hole is drilled, a casing pipe is inserted to keep the borewell stable and prevent soil or contaminants from entering. Then, a submersible or jet pump is installed — submersible pumps are placed inside the borewell, while jet pumps stay above ground and are used for shallow depths.
When the pump is switched on, it draws water from underground aquifers through the pipe and pushes it to the surface. The water is then stored in tanks for domestic, agricultural, or industrial use.
To make borewell usage more efficient, devices like Waltr B(automatic borewell scheduler) can automate pump operation, prevent overuse, and extend the motor’s life by avoiding dry runs and overrunning.
What are the common borewell problems?
1. Pump Problems
Borewell pumps are essential for drawing water from deep underground. Over time, they may suffer from issues like motor overheating due to continuous operation, jamming caused by debris or mechanical failure, and impeller damage, which reduces water-lifting efficiency. If not addressed, these issues can lead to complete pump failure, increased energy consumption, and costly repairs.
2. Physical Damage to the Borewell
The structural integrity of the borewell is crucial. Over time, the borewell casing, which protects the shaft, can corrode, develop cracks, or become misaligned. This damage allows soil, contaminants, or even sewage water to seep into the borewell. In severe cases, the borewell may collapse entirely, making it unusable and requiring expensive re-drilling.
3. Sand Pumping
When the borewell is drilled into a sandy or loose soil layer, fine particles like sand may be drawn into the system along with water. These particles can accumulate in the pump, clog its components, reduce its lifespan, and ultimately lower the water output. Sand pumping also increases maintenance frequency and affects water quality.
4. Water Hardness
Water from borewells often contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. This makes the water "hard" and leads to scale formation in household pipes, water heaters, taps, and other appliances. Hard water not only reduces the efficiency of appliances but also increases soap consumption and causes skin and hair dryness.
5. Low pH Levels
If the pH of borewell water is too low (acidic), it can gradually corrode metal pipes, fittings, and water storage tanks. This corrosion can lead to leaks, pipe bursts, metallic taste in water, and even contamination from rust or other dissolved metals.
6. Clogging and Scaling
Minerals present in hard water, especially calcium carbonate, tend to deposit inside pipelines and around pump parts. This scaling clogs the system, narrows the water pathway, and reduces water pressure. In severe cases, it can damage the plumbing infrastructure and require chemical cleaning or pipe replacement.
7. Fluctuating Water Quality
The quality of water from borewells can change over time due to a range of factors. Seasonal variations (monsoon vs. dry seasons), nearby construction, excessive water extraction, or use of pesticides in surrounding areas can all impact water clarity, taste, smell, and safety. Regular testing is important to ensure continued water quality.
How to Fix Borewell Problems?
Borewells face a range of challenges, from pump malfunctions to water quality issues. Here’s how to fix each problem, along with where Waltr can support smarter monitoring and decision-making.
Pump Problems (Overheating, Jamming, Impeller Damage):
These issues often result from dry runs, debris, or overload. Fixes include installing thermal overload protection, using pumps suited to the bore depth, scheduling regular maintenance, or using Waltr B to automatically manage and schedule pump operation, preventing damage.
Physical Damage to the Borewell (Cracks, Corrosion, Collapse):
Casing cracks or corrosion allow contaminants to enter. Regular inspections with a borewell camera and using corrosion-resistant materials during construction can prevent these issues. Waltr B helps by monitoring pump conditions and alerting you to unusual patterns that might indicate such damage.
Sand Pumping:
Sand and sediment can clog the pump and reduce water flow. Installing a gravel pack or well screen helps block sand from entering. Regular borewell flushing may be needed in severe cases.
Water Hardness (High Mineral Content):
Hard water causes scaling in pipes and damages appliances. The best fix is to use water softeners or install RO systems with TDS control to treat the water before use.
Low pH (Acidic Water):
Acidic water corrodes metal pipes and fixtures. To fix this, install pH-neutralizer filters and replace metal pipes with plastic alternatives where possible.
Clogging and Scaling (Calcium Deposits):
Mineral buildup narrows pipelines and restricts water flow. Regular descaling or chemical cleaning may be required. Prevention includes installing filters or softeners.
Fluctuating Water Quality:
Changes in season, nearby construction, or overuse can lead to inconsistent water quality. Multi-stage filtration systems and regular water testing are essential to ensure water safety.
Waltr B is an automatic borewell scheduler designed to protect your pump and optimize water use. It can automatically schedule borewell pump operations based on real-time conditions, ensuring efficient water use without the need for manual intervention. By intelligently managing pump operations, Waltr B prevents dry runs and overloads that cause mechanical failures. It helps extend the lifespan of your borewell equipment, reduces energy consumption, and cuts down maintenance costs. With real-time monitoring and alerts, it keeps you informed of any issues early on, allowing for quick action and peace of mind.