1) Garissa reality: why planning matters more
In dryland counties, the cost of mistakes is higher. If a borehole yields less than expected or the water is too saline, you’ll spend again—either on rehabilitation, deeper drilling, or treatment.
2) Depth planning: what controls depth in Garissa
- ✓Local geology + aquifer characteristics
Productive zones and formations can change quickly across short distances. - ✓Target yield (your demand)
A borehole for a compound or institution needs stronger yield verification than a small home setup. - ✓Site access & logistics
Transport and water availability for drilling operations can affect time and cost. - ✓Stop criteria
Agree on limits and decision points so budgets don’t run away.
3) Yield reliability: plan litres + storage, not just “yield”
In dry zones, reliability often comes from design: verified yield + enough storage + correct pump sizing. Even a decent borehole can feel “weak” if peak demand is high and storage is undersized.
- 1Define daily litres + peak hours
Households, rentals, institutions, livestock—different load profiles. - 2Verify yield with test pumping
Confirm sustainable yield and drawdown behavior. - 3Build storage into the plan
Tanks buffer supply and reduce pump cycling and stress. - 4Right-size pump + power
Oversized pumps can collapse performance by overpumping marginal yields.
4) Water quality risks (salinity) & what to test
Garissa projects commonly pay attention to salinity risk because dissolved minerals can make water unsuitable for drinking and can affect appliances and plumbing. The cure is not guessing—it’s testing.
A. Fast, on-site indicators
- ✓EC/TDS
Early indicator for salinity; helps decide whether you need deeper assessment. - ✓pH + turbidity
Flags scaling/corrosion tendencies and suspended solids. - ✓Observation
Taste, soap lathering, staining, and any seasonal changes.
B. Lab tests (especially if drinking)
- ✓Major ions (for salinity diagnosis)
Confirms what’s driving high EC/TDS and the best treatment path. - ✓Hardness + alkalinity
Predicts scaling and helps choose softening/scale-control strategies. - ✓Iron/Manganese
Explains staining and metallic taste; treatable with proper filtration. - ✓Microbiology (if drinking)
Important if water is stored in tanks or distributed to many users.
5) Construction specs you must insist on (in writing)
- ✓Casing diameter/grade
Ask for the exact diameter and material/grade, not just “casing included.” - ✓Gravel pack + sanitary seal
Protects the borehole and improves performance; reduces contamination pathways. - ✓Development method
Proper development stabilizes yield and water clarity. - ✓Test pumping duration + report
Insist on a report—numbers matter.
Want a Garissa drilling plan that’s reliability-first?
Send your area name, intended use (home/institution/livestock), estimated daily litres, and power option (solar/grid). If you have a quote, share it and we’ll highlight missing specs and testing steps before you commit.
6) Red flags (what makes projects fail)
- ✕No survey, no depth range, no stop criteria
This is how drilling costs spiral without control. - ✕Skipping test pumping
No proof of yield = wrong pump sizing and recurring problems. - ✕Pushing treatment before lab results
In salinity cases, guessing is expensive. - ✕One-number quote
If it’s not itemized, expect add-ons.
7) Mini decision tool (Garissa next step)
Use this to decide whether to start with a survey, tighten your quote, or focus on water quality confirmation.
8) FAQ
Is borehole water in Garissa always salty?
Not always, but salinity risk is common in some areas. Water quality varies by exact location and depth, so the safest approach is to measure EC/TDS early and confirm with a full lab analysis before investing in treatment or pump upgrades.
What should I prioritize when drilling a borehole in Garissa?
Prioritize a site-specific survey, written construction specs (casing, gravel pack and sanitary seal), proper development, test pumping with a report, and water testing (EC/TDS, major ions, hardness, iron/manganese, and microbiology if drinking).
How do I plan for reliable water supply in a dry area like Garissa?
Plan for reliability with verified yield (test pumping), adequate storage tanks, correct pump sizing, and realistic daily demand planning. If water quality shows salinity, choose treatment only after lab results confirm the exact chemistry.