Hydrogeological Services

SCL Water Ltd offers a full range of hydrogeological services, covering all aspects of water supply, and water quality monitoring, to clients wishing to improve or characterise their water supply, including:

• The investigation and development of new groundwater and surface water sources
• Borehole prognosis reports (hydrogeological reports)
• The examination and rehabilitation of existing water wells and boreholes
• Water quality monitoring and analysis of results
• Support through the abstraction licensing procedure for volumes greater than 20 m³/day from the initial submission for a Section 32(2) groundwater investigation consent right through to the final license application to the Environment Agency
• Advice on the suitable design and construction of boreholes
• Borehole test pumping and analysis of data
• Aquifer performance testing
• Geological cross sections
• Environmental impact assessments
• Water interest surveys
• Hydrogeological reviews for sites due to be investigated or redeveloped
• hydrogeological reviews for wetland conservation areas
• Permeability tests
• Advice on statutory controls and legislation
• Advice on third party activities that may impact existing and new water supplies

SCL Water Ltd can also offer:

The development of solutions for foul and clean water discharges, including the application for a discharge consent from the Environment Agency.

FAQ

What is hydrogeology?

Hydrogeology is the study of the interaction between water and rocks above and below ground.  It particularly focuses on groundwater which is any water held in the rocks and sediments beneath our feet.

Isn’t a borehole just a hole in the ground?

No. A borehole can have many uses, including:

• As an abstraction point for water supply
• Monitoring groundwater levels
• Monitoring groundwater quality
• Identifying underlying sediment and rock types
• As a discharge point
• For the remediation of contaminated groundwater

 I am on a tight budget, can I have a standard borehole?

A borehole will need to be properly located and designed to fulfil its potential relative to the proposed use and the surrounding geology.

There is NO such thing as a ‘standard borehole’.

SCL Water Ltd will advise on the most cost effective option for the client, bearing in mind that the long term savings need to balance the short term cost.

Once the borehole is drilled does it matter how it is lined?

Yes, absolutely. 

There is NO ‘standard installation’ for a borehole. 

Each borehole should be specifically considered in terms of

• The geological characteristics (i.e. stability, grainsize, fissures etc)
• The aquifer type (confined, unconfined, single, multiple etc)
• The required abstraction rate
• The potential water quality
• Surface features that may impact the borehole (i.e. potentially polluting activities, flooding etc)
• Adjacent abstractions which may impact the water level in the borehole
• Material specifications which will influence the productivity of the borehole 

The information is used to inform the

• Drilling method
• Final depth
• Screen type and open area
• Casing type
• Location of screened sections in the borehole
• Pump type, size and installation depth
• The above ground installation (i.e. the need for storage tanks etc)
• Borehole headworks design

An unsuitable installation may significantly reduce the productivity of the borehole and significantly shorten the lifetime of the borehole.

Do I need a licence?

If the demand for water is for less than 20 m³/day a property owner does not require an abstraction licence. 

Certain activities however will need to be licensed by the Environment Agency and this can be individually discussed.  Some activities are exempt from licensing but may need planning approval. Other activities may not need a licence but there may be some requirement to inform the relevant persons that it will be taking place.

How much will it cost?

A borehole prognosis report costs between £200 and £500 plus VAT, depending on the complexity.

The cost of drilling and installing a borehole will have to be agreed between you and the driller you choose to use.  SCL Water Ltd are happy to liaise with your chosen driller.

SCL Water Ltd provides advice and competitive quotes on a variety of borehole pumps and the associated infrastructure.

Borehole and aquifer testing will be undertaken at a day rate.

Water quality testing and analysis will include the cost of the sampling, the laboratory analyses and preliminary interpretation.

Most hydrogeological consultancy undertaken will be on a fixed day rate with additional expenses reclaimed from the client at cost price.  One day of work is equivalent to 8 hours.

The Environment Agency does not charge for the initial application for a Section 32 Consent to drill and test pump but there is a fixed charge for an abstraction licence.  Further information can be obtained from the Environment Agency Permitting Support Centre.  SCL Water Ltd is happy to manage the licensing procedure and liaise with the Environment Agency on your behalf at an hourly rate.

How long will it take?

This is dependent on the complexity of the work and the number of statutory consultees who need to be approached and given time to respond. 

There are no statutory consultees for an abstraction of less than 20 m³/day. 

For an abstraction licence the typical consultees include the Environment Agency, local government, conservation groups and local residents.

Please do not hesitate to telephone us as we are happy to discuss your requirements with you. 

FREEPHONE (UK Only): 08000 748132  

FROM ABROAD: 00 44 1769 575990     

EMAIL: info@sclwater.co.uk