Learn how to ensure your borehole water is safe to drink. Discover key chemical parameters, SANS 241 standards, testing frequency, and treatment options for safe drinking borehole water.
Since the drought, more South Africans have turned to borehole water for household use and garden irrigation. Having a reliable backup source, and even the possibility of going off-grid, has made boreholes an appealing option, especially with rising municipal water costs and ongoing supply issues. But one important question remains: Is your borehole water safe to drink?
The answer depends on several factors, particularly the natural chemical composition of the groundwater. This can be affected by the type of rock and soil the water moves through, as well as nearby land use activities such as farming, septic systems, or industrial sites. To know if your borehole water meets drinking water safety standards, it should be tested and compared against the SANS 241 Drinking Water Quality Standard set by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).
What is SANS 241?
SANS 241 is the national standard that sets out what makes drinking water safe in South Africa. It defines acceptable limits for microbiological, physical, and chemical elements in water to ensure it is safe for human use. Water that meets these requirements is considered safe to drink. Regular testing against SANS 241 helps ensure your borehole water is safe to consume.
While SANS is an important guideline, it is not exhaustive and excludes many potential parameters of concern. Emerging contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and microplastics increasingly pose risks to groundwater quality. Conducting a source vulnerability assessment is recommended to identify parameters of potential concern specific to a particular water supply source.
Chemical Parameters: What Should You Look Out For?
While most people worry about bacteria and viruses in water, chemical safety is just as important. Chemicals can come from the soil, nearby industries, agriculture, or even old plumbing systems. Here are some key chemical concerns:
- Electrical Conductivity (EC)
EC measures how well water can conduct electricity, which increases with higher levels of dissolved salts and minerals. High EC is a sign that water may contain elevated chemical concentrations. It’s a useful and simple way to monitor general borehole water quality.
Guideline Value (SANS 241): EC should be less than 170 mS/m.
- Nitrates and Nitrites
High levels often come from fertilisers or animal waste. These chemicals can cause serious health issues, especially in babies and young children, by affecting the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.
Safe Limit (SANS 241): Nitrates should be below 11 mg/L.
- Fluoride
Some fluoride is good for teeth, but too much can lead to dental or skeletal fluorosis (discoloration or weakening of bones and teeth). In many parts of South Africa, natural fluoride levels in boreholes are quite high.
Safe Limit (SANS 241): Fluoride should be below 1.5 mg/L.
- Heavy Metals (like Lead, Arsenic, or Mercury)
These are less common but very dangerous. They may come from mining areas, old pipes, or industrial pollution. Long-term exposure can cause serious health problems, including kidney damage or cancer.
Safe Limit (SANS 241): Lead should be below 0.01 mg/L; arsenic below 0.01 mg/L and mercury below 0.006 mg/L.
- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Salinity
TDS refers to all the salts and minerals dissolved in the water. While not always harmful, high levels can affect the taste and may not be suitable for people with certain health conditions.
Guideline Value (SANS 241): TDS should be less than 1200 mg/L.
How Can You Test Your Borehole Water?
The only way to know if your borehole water is safe is to have it tested in a certified laboratory. A full SANS 241 water analysis will look at:
- Microbiological quality (e.g. E. coli)
- Chemical composition (including the elements above)
- Physical groundwater properties (like colour, turbidity, and odour)
If your borehole water is used for consumption, it should be tested at least once a year. Testing should be done more often if you notice changes in taste, colour, or if there are changes in nearby land use, such as farming, construction, or industrial activity.
When sending a sample for laboratory analysis, there are clear guidelines on how to collect the water, how much to collect, and how much is needed to complete the tests. Following these ensures accurate results and helps keep your borehole water safe and reliable.
What to Do If Your Borehole Water Doesn’t Meet SANS 241 Standards
If testing shows that your borehole water doesn’t meet SANS 241 Drinking Water Quality Standards, there’s no need to panic. Several effective treatment options can improve water quality, depending on the type of contamination:
- Reverse osmosis for removing salts and heavy metals
- Activated carbon filters for organic compounds and chlorine
- UV or chlorine disinfection for microbes
- Ion exchange filters for fluoride or nitrates
A qualified water treatment specialist can advise on the best solution for your specific needs.
Conclusion
Borehole water can be a great resource, but only if it’s safe. Regular testing against SANS 241 Drinking Water Quality Standards ensures you and your family have access to clean, healthy water. If you’re unsure about the quality of your borehole supply, don’t wait; get your water tested today. It’s a small step that gives you confidence, peace of mind, and the assurance that your water is safe to use.
Before testing, however, it’s recommended to carry out a source vulnerability assessment. This helps identify additional parameters of potential concern specific to your water source, giving you a more comprehensive understanding of water quality.
Don’t take chances with your borehole water. Regular testing is the best way to ensure your water is safe for you and your family. If you notice any changes in taste, colour, or nearby land use, it’s time to get your water tested. A qualified water treatment specialist can recommend solutions if your borehole water doesn’t meet safety standards, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your water supply.
Need help testing your borehole water? Contact GEOSS today to book a professional water quality assessment.
Author: Aqeela Parker
