Do I Need Planning Permission to Drill a Borehole? Here’s What You Should Know

Thinking about installing a private water supply with a borehole? It’s a great way to get a self-sufficient water supply, but there are some details to consider, especially around planning permission.

Generally, you won’t need planning permission for a private borehole on your property. However, if you plan to extract over 20,000 liters of water per day, you’ll need an abstraction licence from the Environment Agency.

Borehole water is perfect for uses like garden irrigation, underfloor heating, or even a simple filtration system to make it safe for drinking. But before you start drilling, it’s important to ensure the groundwater quality and determine if there’s sufficient water available for your needs.

Keep in mind, you’ll also need to check local regulations to confirm that drilling won’t impact nearby water supplies or the environment. Having the water tested and potentially installing a filtration system will help make your borehole water safe and clean.

For a reliable and cost-effective private water supply, a borehole can be a fantastic investment, especially for properties with high water usage or in rural areas with limited access to mains water.

Is an Own Private Water Supply Right for Your Home?

Thinking about drilling a borehole for a private water supply? It’s an exciting idea, especially for those wanting independence from mains water and a sustainable option for water usage. But is it the right choice for your home?

Having your own private borehole means a reliable, self-sufficient water source. Borehole water is perfect for uses like gardening, underfloor heating, or even drinking—provided it’s tested and treated with a simple filtration system. Plus, with fewer chemicals like chlorine, borehole water can feel fresher.

When it comes to drilling, you generally won’t need planning permission, but you may need an abstraction licence from the Environment Agency if you’re drawing more than 20,000 liters per day. It’s essential to ensure there’s enough groundwater and to consider the geology of your land to determine if drilling is feasible.

Setting up a borehole can be an investment, but the long-term savings on water bills make it a great option, especially for high-usage properties. With the right setup, you could enjoy safe, reliable, and cost-effective water right from your own land!

Getting a Borehole Drilled: What to Know About Getting Your System Installed

Thinking about drilling a borehole? It’s a great way to have a private water supply and reduce dependency on the mains water supply. But there are a few things to consider before jumping in.

First, think about the space available on your property. A borehole system involves equipment, tanks, and pipes, all of which need to be constructed and installed with enough room to safely extract water from the ground.

Drilling boreholes goes deep, and depth is dependent on the local geology, so it’s wise to discuss options with a professional to determine what’s best for your area.

There are costs involved, from initial drilling and installing the pump system to testing the groundwater quality for chemicals and ensuring it’s safe to drink. You may also need an abstraction licence from the Environment Agency if you’ll be extracting large quantities.

A borehole can be a good option for high water use and can provide long-term savings on water bills. Plus, with proper treatment, borehole water can be a reliable, sustainable supply free of chemicals like fluoride often found in mains water.

If you’re ready to take the plunge, contact a reputable installer to start developing your new borehole system!

Borehole Drilling: What You Need to Know About the Environment Agency’s Role

If you’re considering installing a borehole on your property, you’ll need to understand the role of the Environment Agency. Their involvement is key to ensuring the water you’re accessing is safe and that your borehole doesn’t impact local groundwater levels or existing water supplies.

The Environment Agency assesses factors like depth, local geology, and whether there’s enough water in the area to sustain a new borehole. They also determine if your planned borehole might affect nearby properties and ecosystems.

If you’re planning to extract large volumes of water, an abstraction licence may be required. This licence ensures that water use remains sustainable and minimizes environmental impact.

The agency also provides guidelines on safe materials and equipment to ensure water is clean and safe to drink.

A well-regulated borehole can offer great benefits—reliable water access, reduced dependence on the mains supply, and potential cost savings—but must be carefully managed to protect the local environment.

Here’s a quick guide to the licensing process and why it matters!

Steps in Borehole Drilling and Environment Agency’s Role

Here’s a visual illustrating the key steps in borehole drilling and the Environment Agency’s role at each stage.

The chart shows how crucial their oversight is, especially in assessing water availability, environmental impact, and ensuring safe installation. This guidance ensures a sustainable water source while protecting local ecosystems.

Contact Us

Contact GSI Drilling – Your Borehole Experts Are Here to Help!

Ready to explore the benefits of a private water supply or curious about drilling for geothermal energy? At GSI Drilling, we’re here to answer all your questions and make your project as straightforward as possible. Whether you’re looking to install a water borehole, need insights into geothermal systems, or want expert advice on the licensing process, our friendly team is just a call or email away.

With years of experience in borehole drilling, we understand that each property and project is unique. We’re happy to discuss your needs, go over potential costs, and explain the process from start to finish. If you’d like a more hands-on approach, we can even arrange a site visit to assess the best setup for your location.

Get in touch with us by filling out the contact form below, giving us a call, or dropping us an email. Our experts are here to provide reliable guidance every step of the way. At GSI Drilling, we’re passionate about delivering sustainable, high-quality solutions tailored to your needs. Let’s get started on making your drilling project a reality!

Phone: 07523 208 711

Email: [email protected]