“R70k Gone”: Borehole Drilling Ends in Heartbreak After 200m With No Water
- A South African man was left devastated after spending a large amount on borehole drilling that produced no water
- The incident reignited a national debate about the risks of private drilling and the importance of proper geological checks
- The viral post prompted South Africans to reflect on water scarcity and service delivery challenges
- Briefly News reached out to Borehole Drilling Service Company and Saki Sekgobokgobo, a borehole drilling expert, to understand what could go wrong in such cases
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South Africans expressed sympathy and frustration as the failed borehole drilling reminded them of the country’s ongoing water access struggles.
Source: Getty Images
A video posted by TikTok user @lion.king7071 on 8 October 2025 captured the devastating moment when a borehole team drilled 200 metres deep without finding a single drop of water. The video, recorded at an undisclosed location in South Africa, showed the team continuing their effort as dust, rather than water, poured from the hole. The homeowner, who had reportedly invested R70,000 in the project, was left heartbroken when the borehole failed to yield results. The incident quickly gained attention as social media users discussed the risks and frustrations of water drilling in South Africa’s unpredictable landscape.
Borehole drilling has become increasingly popular in recent years due to ongoing water shortages and unreliable municipal supply in many parts of the country. However, experts have warned that not every area guarantees access to underground water, especially when geological surveys are skipped or rushed. In this case, many online users speculated that the team responsible for the drilling might have lacked proper equipment or experience, given how deep they went without success. The clip served as a reminder that even large investments do not always guarantee results in borehole projects, especially when soil and rock conditions vary drastically across regions.
Costly borehole ends in disappointment
Within just two days, the video attracted over 1,300 likes and more than 400 comments as South Africans weighed in on the situation. Some viewers expressed empathy for the homeowner’s loss, while others criticised the drilling team, suggesting that they might have been inexperienced or failed to conduct proper assessments beforehand. Others debated the importance of professional geological tests before any borehole work begins. The post quickly circulated across platforms, drawing thousands of views and reigniting conversations about the high costs of private water solutions.
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Many South Africans felt frustrated by how easily people could lose large sums of money trying to access a basic necessity like water. Others noted that the story reflected the broader struggles faced by citizens who turn to private solutions due to poor service delivery. A few even said this was a hard but necessary lesson about verifying drilling companies before hiring them. The video left many reflecting on how water scarcity continues to affect daily life across the country.
Borehole Drilling Service Company explained to Briefly News that it is possible to drill as deep as 200 metres and still not find water, especially when a proper geological survey isn’t done beforehand. In many cases, people rely on a method called divining, which doesn’t accurately reveal underground water structures. They said:
“It is possible that you can drill a borehole even up to 200 metres and not find water. This can happen if a thorough geological survey isn’t done before drilling. Some people rely on a process called divining, which doesn’t really show you the features of what to expect as you drill downwards.”
They added that for a borehole to be successful, it’s crucial to invest in a proper geological survey and analysis before starting the project.
“It helps you avoid drilling in an area where you’re not sure whether you’ll find water or not. It’s also possible to end up with a dry borehole if the person conducting the study lacks experience, so you must verify their accuracy and track record.”
The company further advised that clients should always ensure proper consultation and budget not only for drilling but also for casings, which are charged per metre.
“Soil formations differ, so casings are an extra but important cost. If you have the budget, getting a borehole for your family is still a great investment; the water is clean, and with a filtration system, it can be even purer than what the municipality supplies.”
Saki Sekgobokgobo echoed these sentiments, saying that success largely depends on the location and underground soil formation. He warned that clients must be financially prepared, as even with the right equipment, drillers can’t always predict how deep they’ll need to go to find water. She said:
“The success of drilling depends on the place and the formation of the underground soil. Clients must also be financially prepared because, as drillers, we can detect water, but we never know how deep we’ll need to go. It’s better to have enough budget.”
She cautioned that inexperience among surveyors often leads to disappointment.
“Most surveyors don’t have the right experience, and the method of survey can also be the reason you don’t find water. Be financially prepared and wise when choosing drilling companies because many are fly-by-night. Don’t go for cheap; go for quality. Referrals are always the best. Seek information before falling into the darkness.”
Source: TikTok
Here’s what South Africans had to say
Tumbling Joe said:
“They robbed you. If there is no water, you pay only for diesel. You can even take them to court.”
Swirilo N'wa Khalanga commented:
“If you want to bore water, you don’t tell people around your neighbourhood. If you do, you won’t find water. Wait a few months and call them without letting anyone know.”
Lebogang said:
“Heban, kante they don’t survey first? I won’t pay.”
Mooi wrote:
“They tried with me, but when I started locking my gate and my friends arrived, they started getting water.”
His Will said:
“They decided to dig there; if there’s no water, it’s their fault, not mine. That truck won’t leave my yard.”
Godwill Mlilo commented:
“I drilled 150m and hit blank. After a week or so, my friend threw a stone inside and told me there was water. I ignored it, but a week later, he said the water was coming closer. I started checking myself, and at last we used a rope and a bottle and found the water is at 25m. Don’t know how fast it will refill when I pump.”
Nkosana Mabaleka said:
“We drill boreholes and do water surveys. Unfortunately, clients have to pay the full amount if the survey was not done by us. If it’s us, there’s no way we can drill a dry borehole; if the survey says no water, we don’t attempt at all.”
xolanimahlangu368 commented:
“You search for water first, then drill. That’s their job. If there’s no water, what are you paying for?”
Check out the TikTok video below:
3 other Briefly News stories related to boreholes
- A devoted daughter provided her mother with an effective and practical gift of a borehole, representing a significant home improvement.
- A Good Samaritan intervened with a borehole as Merafong community members in Johannesburg faced another week without water.
- A guy who left Jozi to start his farm in Limpopo shared a video explaining how much he paid to install a borehole.
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Source: Briefly News
