When a client in the Ngata area of Nakuru County needed a reliable and cost-effective water supply for their institution’s farm, they turned to Hydropaths for an end-to-end solution. The project involved everything from the initial site survey to drilling and installing a solar water pump. Our goal was to deliver a smooth end-to-end experience that not only met their needs but also showcased our full capability in executing turnkey borehole and solar pump systems.
Why drilling a borehole in Nakuru is a smart choice
Our client, an institution involved in crop farming and livestock rearing, faced persistent water challenges that limited productivity. Seasonal shortages and high pumping costs made it hard to maintain a steady water supply. To address this, they chose to install a solar water pump as part of a long-term solution for their farm in Nakuru.
With unreliable rainfall, surface sources like rivers and dams were not dependable. Drilling a borehole provided cleaner, more stable access to underground water. The client needed an energy-efficient setup, and drilling a borehole paired with a solar water pump was the most practical solution.
To bring the project to life, Hydropaths supported the client through every stage of the process. We began with a detailed hydrogeological survey, followed by drilling the borehole, conducting test pumping, and finally installing a solar water pump. The result was a reliable and sustainable water system tailored to our client’s needs.
Conducting a hydrogeological survey
Before drilling the borehole in Nakuru, we carried out a detailed hydrogeological survey to assess groundwater potential and identify the optimal drilling site. The process began with a physical site visit to evaluate topography and surface geology. We employed vertical electrical sounding (VES), which measures subsurface resistivity to help locate potential aquifers. Hydropaths has conducted hundreds of hydrogeological surveys in Nakuru and other parts of Kenya, bringing deep local expertise to this process.
We then used specialized software to interpret the data and map groundwater availability. The analysis confirmed a promising drilling location with strong geological formations and favorable resistivity values. This greatly improved the accuracy of the site selection and increased the chances of a successful borehole. You can learn more about this step in our blog on the purpose and cost of a hydrogeological survey in Kenya.
Drilling a 210m borehole in Nakuru
After completing the hydrogeological survey, our team proceeded with drilling a 210-meter borehole in Nakuru to reach the identified groundwater reserves. During the process, we successfully tapped into three aquifers at depths of 80 meters, 150 meters, and 210 meters. The first aquifer offered a moderate yield, the second delivered a more substantial flow, and the deepest aquifer at 210 meters showed the highest groundwater potential.
The region’s subsurface geology consisted of volcanic ash, clay, and fractured basalt, which presented a few technical challenges. However, with our experienced crew and a high-performance borehole drilling machine, we navigated these formations effectively. We installed proper casing throughout the borehole to secure each aquifer, control wellbore pressure, and protect overall water quality.
Hydropaths has drilled hundreds of boreholes in Kenya, gaining the experience to handle any challenge with ease. If you’re interested in learning more, check out our detailed article on the process and cost of drilling a borehole in Kenya.
Borehole test pumping and yield assessment
After drilling the 210-meter borehole, we conducted a 24-hour constant discharge test to evaluate the borehole’s yield and long-term reliability. The test confirmed a steady flow rate of 7.5 cubic meters per hour, delivering clean, high-quality water suitable for agricultural use.
The water level stabilized at 180 meters, with a full recovery recorded within one hour after the test. These results provided essential data to guide the next phase, which involved proper pump selection and installation. This ensures the borehole delivers a sustainable water supply. At Hydropaths, we emphasize thorough test pumping as a critical step in all our projects to guarantee long-term performance and efficiency.
Equipping the borehole in Nakuru with a solar-powered water pump
After completing the 24-hour test pumping, which confirmed a stable yield of 7.5 cubic meters per hour, we selected an optimal pump and motor setup tailored to the borehole’s depth and flow requirements. The Hydropaths team installed an HES SSP 8/44 pump paired with a 7.5 kW 3-phase motor, designed to operate at a duty head of 210 meters. Power was supplied through an 11 kW 3-phase hybrid inverter to ensure seamless operation.
To meet the client’s preference for a reliable and energy-efficient system, we solarized the borehole using 32 330-watt solar panels mounted on a custom-built structure. This off-grid solution significantly reduces operational costs, offers consistent performance, and supports sustainability by utilizing clean, renewable energy. Read our article on solarizing a borehole to learn more about the process and cost of installing a solar water pump.
Benefits of drilling a borehole and installing a solar water pump
The installation of the solar-powered water pump led to a remarkable improvement in water accessibility for the institution. With a consistent yield of 7.5 cubic meters per hour, the system now delivers up to 180 cubic meters of clean water daily.
This transition to a renewable off-grid solution drastically reduced fuel and electricity costs, lowering the institution’s operational expenses. The reliable water supply has enabled the client to expand their agricultural activities, boosting farm productivity throughout the year. Moreover, the borehole has eliminated previous water shortages, ensuring seamless daily operations across the facility.
Borehole drilling and equipping by Hydropaths
Hydropaths was proud to drill and equip the borehole for our Nakuru client. We managed the project from start to finish, including survey, drilling, test pumping, and solar pump installation. With over 8 years of experience, we delivered a reliable water system using high-quality components and certified processes.
Our approach ensures every client receives durable, tailor-made solutions backed by responsive after-sales support. Our client in Nakuru now enjoys a steady off-grid water supply that has eliminated shortages and boosted agricultural productivity. You too can benefit from a sustainable and low-maintenance system that cuts operational costs.
Ready to solve your water problems once and for all? Whether you’re in Nakuru, Kajiado, Nairobi, or anywhere else in Kenya, Hydropaths can bring your borehole project to life. Contact us today for hydrogeological surveys, borehole drilling, solar pump installation, or any other groundwater solution tailored to your needs.
