Borehole quotes in Benoni can look very different from one company to the next. That's usually because they include different parts of the job. Here's what makes up the total, so you can compare quotes like for like.
2026 price guide
These are typical Gauteng figures from published price surveys. Your quote depends on the ground, the depth and what's included, so use them to check that a quote is in a sensible range, not as a fixed price.
- Drilling: roughly R350 to R700 per metre in Gauteng, with harder rock towards the top of the range.
- Typical depth: often 40 to 120 metres in the Johannesburg area. Nobody can promise a depth before drilling.
- Complete project (drilling, casing, pump and installation): often R55,000 to R140,000 in Gauteng.
- Dolomite areas: some parts of Gauteng need a stability assessment before drilling, which adds cost and time. Ask your driller whether it applies to your stand.
Sources: ourpower.co.za borehole cost survey (updated October 2026). Prices exclude any municipal or Department of Water and Sanitation registration you may need.
What makes up the cost
- Siting. Choosing where to drill. Some companies include it, others charge separately for a geological survey.
- Drilling, per metre. The biggest variable. You only know the final depth once water is reached.
- Casing, per metre. Pipe lining the top of the hole, needed where the ground is soft.
- Yield test. Measures how much water the borehole delivers, so the pump can be sized correctly.
- Pump, cable and control box. The pump type and size depend on depth and yield.
- Tank, pressure system and filtration. Optional, depending on what you'll use the water for.
Why quotes differ
- One company quotes drilling only, another quotes a "complete" package.
- Different assumed depths. Ask what depth the quote is based on.
- Different pump brands and warranties.
- Whether there's a fee or a discount if the hole is dry.
How to compare quotes
Ask each company for an itemised quote, with the price per metre for drilling and casing shown separately, and the assumed depth stated. Then compare line by line.
Read more: What a borehole quote should include.
Frequently asked questions
Can a driller guarantee I'll find water?
No. Nobody can guarantee water underground. Ask how the contractor chooses the site, what happens if the hole is dry, and whether a dry hole is charged at a different rate.
What's included in a complete borehole price?
Usually drilling, casing, a yield test, the pump, cabling, the control box and installation. Storage tanks, trenching to the house and water treatment are often extra. See what a borehole quote should include.
Is a solar borehole pump more expensive?
It costs more upfront, but has no running cost and keeps pumping during power cuts. See solar borehole pumps.
Do I need to register my borehole?
Ordinary household use generally doesn't need a licence, but larger volumes for irrigation or farming may need registration with the Department of Water and Sanitation. Check current requirements with your driller.