FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Listed below are some of the questions we are most frequently asked regarding a private water supply. If you have other questions, please do not hesitate in sending us an email or giving us a ring. We are always happy to help.
Most frequent borehole questions
How much will a borehole cost?
This is always a difficult one to answer because every situation is different. However, as a guideline you can expect to pay up to £9,000 for the drilling of the borehole, which includes the installation of a pump and pressure vessel. This price assumes that “good” water is found within 20 metres. In many cases the borehole water will need treating to make it fit for the purpose to which it is going to be used. When putting together an estimate you should expect to pay anywhere in the region of £800 to £1,500 for filtration equipment. In some cases you will not need filtration at all – it all is dependent on the quality of the water.
Will we be able to have a borehole?
If you live in and around Calderdale then the answer is probably, Yes. The Millstone Grit is a good aquifer and most areas of the region there is an abundance of water. However, in some cases, the driller may not strike water. To minimise the risk we strongly recommend that you commission a borehole prognosis.
What is a borehole prognosis?
Before drilling it is important to investigate the expected geology and groundwater regime at the site. As part of our drilling package, we are able to prepare a borehole prognosis report related to the National Grid Reference of the site based on information available from the BGS borehole data base. If these reports are favourable in terms of quality and quantity then Springhill will provide a detailed written quotation for drilling the water well.
The report will be based on an interpretation of geological maps and the compilation of data relating to other boreholes in your area. The report will normally cost around £300. Springhill offer a full pre sales service which includes the production of a borehole prognosis. We can also provide a written quotation for drilling the borehole. It should be noted that there can be no guarantee that the driller will find water of sufficient yield and quality. Please refer to our borehole terms and conditions for more detailed information relating to this area. These can be located on our legal pages which can be accessed by pressing the "Terms and Conditions " button on the menu bar at the top of this page.
Do I have to pay for the water produced by the borehole?
No. There is no charge for the water and if you use less than 20.000 litres of water per day, you do not need a licence if the water is to be used for domestic purposes.
Most frequent private water supply questions
We have been drinking the water from our spring for years without any problems, why bother getting it treated?
There is some evidence to support the claim that people who regularly drink contaminated water build up immunity to the harmful bacteria. But as we get older, our immunity will decrease and we will have no protection against new strains of bacteria entering the supply. Visitors to the house will of course have no protection. The elderly and the very young should not be encouraged to drink untreated spring or borehole water.
Our water is beautiful and we don’t want it tasting like town water.
When people complain about the taste of “town water” they are normally referring to the taste imparted by chlorine (the same stuff they use in swimming pools). At Springhill we try to avoid using the term “water treatment” as this implies introducing chemicals into the water, which we don’t recommend (unless it is absolutely necessary i.e. when dealing with extreme levels of iron). UV Purification gets rid of all harmful bacteria without altering the taste of the water or removing any of its healthy minerals.
We know our spring water is not safe to drink, that’s why we only drink bottled water. When we do have to drink water from the tap, we boil it so what’s wrong with that?
When the water companies issue “boil water” notices, they recommend the water is boiled 3 times before it is safe. Boiling it once may not get rid of all the bacteria. Using bottled water as the main drinking supply to the house can be a very costly business (litre per litre costing the same as premium petrol) and is not very environmentally friendly -all those plastic bottles, what a waste of the earths resources. Filtered spring water tastes nicer and costs less than branded bottled water.
We have received a letter from the Council saying that we have coliforms in the water, what does it mean?
E.Coli and Coliforms are “Indicators” which means they provide evidence that harmful contaminants are getting into the water. E.Coli (0157) can, and does seriously harm people, however other viruses are just as lethal e.g. Cryptosporidium. A failed water tests is a clear indicator that you need to do something about your drinking water.
What are the risks associated with drinking un-filtered spring water?
Diarrhoea, stomach cramp, high temperature, nausea, headaches and drowsiness are some of the symptoms that can develop after drinking contaminated water. The worst cases can result in kidney failure.
Will the price of our property be affected if we don’t get the water sorted?
In the letter that some Councils send to households that have failed their test, the EHO's (Environmental Health Officers) include the following paragraph “Enforcement action may be taken where the (Private Water Supply) Regulations are breached. We also alert prospective purchasers during searches prior to buying property to any danger or lack of serviced treatment equipment”. So yes, the price of your property will be affected if you don’t do something about your water.
What is UV?
UV Purification is the approved method for getting rid of harmful bacteria from borehole, spring or well supplies. It will not alter the taste of your water or remove any of its healthy minerals.
My daughter’s hair keeps turning a bluey / green, why?
Water that comes from a spring is likely to have passed over organic matter that makes it acidic. This type of water will attack copper pipe, causing leaks and blue staining of fixtures and fittings. The leached copper will also stain light coloured hair. pH Correction adjusts the pH of your water to a level where it is no longer a problem.
The copper pipes keep rotting away and causing leaks, why?
See the point above relating to Acidic water.
When washing clothes in the washing machine, the whites come out with orange staining, why?
This type of problem normally occurs on borehole supplies and is a clear indicator that the water contains high levels of iron or manganese. The water entering the house may look perfectly clear, however, once air is introduced into the water e.g. through agitation in a washing machine or dishwasher, the iron precipitates and leaves behind an orange or brown stain. Iron can be particularly problematic on farms where the sanitization fluids used to clean equipment cause the iron to precipitate, leaving unsightly stains on what is otherwise sterile equipment.
Do Springhill service Shakesby equipment?
Yes. We regularly
receive calls from customers who would like us to service Shakesby
Iron removal plant and we have built up a large database of customers
with these units. Starting in October 2008, new clients with a Shakesby system, living in the Yorkshire and Lancashire area get 50% off the first service. When replacing parts we use genuine Shakesby parts
and Shakesby iron removal media (SIRM). We fully guarantee our work
and our rates are highly competitive.
We use another company to service our equipment, why should we change to Springhill?
When asked we simply say “Our prices are lower , we do a better
job than our competitors and we are quick to respond if a problem occurs”.