Borewell and water treatment — price, types and what to check
Drilling, submersible pumps, softeners and filters.
Many Indian homes depend on groundwater. A well-drilled bore, a correctly sized pump and the right treatment are the difference between clean water and years of scaled taps.
The basics
- Bores are typically 6.5–8 inch diameter; depth varies from about 150 to over 1,000 ft by region.
- Submersible pumps sit inside the bore and are chosen by depth (head) and stages.
- Test TDS and hardness first: RO for high TDS drinking water, softeners for hard water.
Borewell and water treatment types and price ranges in India
| Type | Specification | Best used for | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Borewell drilling | 6.5″ bore | Groundwater source | ₹80–160 |
| Casing pipe | PVC / MS, 7″ | Lining the bore through soil | ₹250–700 |
| Submersible pump | 1–3 HP | Lifting water | ₹12,000–45,000 |
| Pump control panel | With dry-run protection | Pump safety | ₹3,000–12,000 |
| Whole-house iron / sediment filter | Inlet filter | Borewell water | ₹8,000–40,000 |
| Water softener | 25–100 L resin | Hard water | ₹20,000–80,000 |
| RO purifier | Kitchen | Drinking water | ₹10,000–35,000 |
Quality checks before you accept delivery
- Check whether your state or area needs groundwater permission.
- Ask the driller for a log of depth, casing length and yield.
- Lab-test water (TDS, hardness, iron, bacteria) before choosing treatment.
- Casing should extend through all loose soil and weathered rock.
- The pump nameplate (HP, stages, head) should match the invoice.
- Retest the water after a month of use; quality can change.
Pro tips
- Seal the bore top with a concrete plinth and cap to keep surface water out.
- Size the pump for total head: water depth plus tank height plus pipe losses.
- Fit a dry-run protector — pumps burn out when the water level drops.
- Build a recharge pit near the bore to keep it productive.
- Log the water level and pump hours to spot a failing bore early.
- Service the pump and check cable joints every 1–2 years.
Mistakes to avoid
- Drilling deeper by default instead of checking yield as you go.
- Using RO for all household water — it wastes water and strips minerals. Keep it for drinking.
- Placing the septic tank near the borewell.
- Leaving the bore uncapped during construction — debris and children are both at risk.
- Running the pump for hours without a rest.
Where you can save
- A softener at the inlet protects every tap, geyser and tile — cheaper than replacing fittings.
- Choose the pump by actual yield; an oversized pump drains the bore and burns out.
How much you need
A family of four draws roughly 500–700 litres a day.
Brands to know
Kirloskar, CRI, Crompton, Texmo, Lubi (pumps); Kent, Aquaguard, Pentair (treatment)