Is Your Borehole Water Safe to Drink?

Millions of South African homes, farms and businesses rely on borehole water as their primary supply. While borehole water can be excellent quality, it frequently contains invisible contaminants that pose serious health risks. The only reliable way to confirm safety is professional laboratory testing.

SMI Analytical provides comprehensive borehole water testing from our Johannesburg laboratory, with results typically available within 5 to 10 working days.

Common Contaminants in SA Borehole Water

• Nitrates and nitrites — from agricultural fertilisers and septic systems. High levels are dangerous to infants under six months.
• E. coli and coliform bacteria — indicators of faecal contamination from pit latrines or livestock.
• Fluoride — naturally elevated in certain SA geological formations; excessive levels cause dental and skeletal fluorosis.
• Heavy metals — arsenic, lead, manganese and iron are commonly elevated, especially near mining areas.
• Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) — high TDS causes taste problems and may indicate mineral contamination.
• pH imbalance — acidic water corrodes pipes; alkaline water has a bitter taste and affects cooking.

SANS 241 — South Africa's Drinking Water Standard

All drinking water in South Africa is measured against SANS 241. This standard defines acceptable limits for over 60 physical, chemical and microbiological parameters. SMI Analytical tests borehole water against SANS 241 to give you a clear compliance report.

Who Needs Borehole Water Testing?

• Homeowners and smallholding owners using borehole water for drinking or cooking
• Farmers using borehole water for irrigation, livestock or food processing
• Property developers installing new boreholes requiring a compliance certificate
• Business owners using borehole water in food production or manufacturing
• Estate agents requiring a water quality certificate before property transfer

What a Borehole Test Includes

• Physical: pH, turbidity, colour, TDS, conductivity
• Chemical: nitrates, fluoride, chloride, sulphate, hardness, iron, manganese, sodium
• Microbiological: E. coli, total coliforms, heterotrophic plate count
• Heavy metals (optional): arsenic, lead, chromium, cadmium, mercury

How to Submit a Sample

Run the borehole pump for at least 10 minutes before sampling. Use sterile containers (provided by SMI). Keep samples refrigerated and deliver within 24 hours. Contact us for sampling containers and detailed instructions.

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