History of Boreholes

According to Wikipedia “Borehole drilling has a long history. By at least the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD), the Chinese used deep borehole drilling for mining and other projects. The British sinologist and historian Michael Loewe states that borehole sites could reach as deep as 600 m (2000 ft). K.S. Tom describes the drilling process: “The Chinese method of deep drilling was accomplished by a team of men jumping on and off a beam to impact the drilling bit while the boring tool was rotated by buffalo and oxen.” This was the same method used for extracting petroleum in California during the 1860s (i.e. “Kicking Her Down”).

A Western Han Dynasty bronze foundry discovered in Xinglong, Hebei had nearby mining shafts which reached depths of 100 m (328 ft) with spacious mining areas; the shafts and rooms were complete with a timber frame, ladders and iron tools. By the first century BC, Chinese craftsmen cast iron drill bits and drillers were able to drill boreholes up to 4800 feet (1500 m) deep. By the eleventh century AD, the Chinese were able to drill boreholes up to 3000 feet in depth. Drilling for boreholes was time consuming and long. As the depth of the holes varied, the drilling of a single well could last nearly one full decade. It wasn’t up until the 19th century that Europe and the West would catch up and rival ancient Chinese borehole drilling technology”

Why Should You Consider a Borehole?

The Primary Benefits of Using a Borehole

Boreholes have been a source of water for centuries. Despite this, their benefits are still relatively unknown to a lot of business owners. A borehole is a general term used to describe a deep hole intended to tap a natural resource, whether that be water, oil or another liquid.

The most common use of boreholes is as a self-sufficient water source for businesses. A deep hole is drilled down to the water source, the sides of the well are secured, and a pump is installed to draw the water to the surface. But why would a business choose to invest in installing their own water source, rather than using a mains water source?

The Self-Sufficient Edge

Many consumers cite the fact that boreholes provide a self-sufficient edge as their primary benefit. The water contained within these holes has accumulated as a result of rain and natural run-off, so the consumer is merely accessing a resource that has accumulated as a result of the topography of their region. There is, therefore, no reliance on third party machinery or processes for the water supply. While mains can encounter problems from time to time, boreholes are completely independent of such risks.

The Potential for a Financial Return

Not only can this type of commercial water source save money, but it may also help consumers turn a profit. There are two primary reasons for this observation. First, a borehole is considered to be a type of building improvement. Similar to other systems such as solar panels or a new roof, a borehole can add value to a commercial property.

The Financial and Environmental Edge

Ultimately, these resources are able to provide invaluable benefits to the modern property owner. Although the principle of boreholes has changed little over the years, there is no doubt that their commercial and financial appeal is on the rise. We should also mention that these are environmentally friendly means to access a liquid which is vital to our very survival. Enjoying this “liquid” asset has never been easier.