Drought-Proofing Your Farm with a Borehole

With prolonged periods of hot weather becoming more common across the UK, concerns over drought, water availability and the impact on agriculture are once again in sharp focus. For farmers, reliable access to water is not simply a convenience, it is essential for protecting crops, supporting livestock and maintaining daily operations. As pressure on mains water supplies grows during dry spells, many agricultural businesses are exploring ways to become more self-sufficient and save money in the process too! One increasingly popular solution is investing in a private water supply through a borehole, providing farms with greater control over one of their most valuable resources.

A Long-Term Investment in Farm Resilience

Across much of the UK, underground aquifers provide an opportunity for farmers to access their own private water supply through a professionally drilled borehole. While installation requires an initial investment, the long-term savings can be significant for farms with high water consumption. Instead of paying for every litre supplied through the mains, a borehole provides access to a reliable on-site water source, with ongoing costs typically limited to electricity and routine maintenance.

Supporting Irrigation During Dry Conditions

Periods of prolonged dry weather can place enormous pressure on crop production, particularly where irrigation becomes essential to maintaining yields.

A borehole can supply water directly to irrigation systems, helping farmers maintain healthy crops even during extended dry spells. Under current regulations, many farmers can abstract up to 20,000 litres of groundwater per day without requiring an abstraction licence, although farmers should always ensure they comply with the latest Environment Agency guidance and licensing requirements.