Small Scale Water Infrastructure: Tanks, Boreholes and Pipes
Beyond daily habits, the physical infrastructure that stores and moves water plays a large role in how reliably a household or small community is supplied. This page covers the basics of the most common components found in South African homes and smaller settlements.
01
Storage tanks
Tanks are used to store water from rainwater harvesting, borehole pumping, or as a backup supply during municipal interruptions. Common materials include plastic, concrete and steel, each with different lifespans and maintenance needs.
- Plastic tanks are lightweight and widely available, but can degrade with prolonged direct sunlight unless UV resistant.
- Concrete tanks are durable and often used for larger communal storage, though they require more substantial installation.
- Steel tanks, including galvanised types, are long lasting but can be more expensive and need protection against rust over time.
Regular inspection of tanks for cracks, algae growth, or sediment build up helps maintain water quality and extends the tank's working life. Covering inlets and overflow points with mesh keeps out debris and discourages mosquito breeding.
02
Boreholes
A borehole draws water from an underground aquifer through a drilled shaft, usually fitted with a pump to bring water to the surface. Borehole water quality varies considerably depending on the local geology and depth, and should be tested before regular use, particularly for drinking.
Boreholes require occasional maintenance, including checking the pump, inspecting the casing for damage, and monitoring the water level, since over extraction can lower the yield of a borehole over time, especially during drought periods when aquifers are under greater pressure from multiple users in an area.
03
Pumps
Pumps move water from a source, such as a borehole or tank, to where it is needed, often into a pressure system supplying taps inside a home. Submersible pumps sit within the borehole itself, while surface pumps are installed above ground and draw water up through a pipe. Pump reliability depends on a stable power supply, so many systems that depend on boreholes are affected during power interruptions unless backup power is available.
04
Pipes and plumbing
The network of pipes connecting a source to a household, and a household to its fixtures, is where many leaks occur, often hidden underground or within walls. Older galvanised steel pipework can corrode internally over time, reducing flow and sometimes affecting water taste, while modern plastic piping such as PVC or HDPE tends to be more resistant to corrosion.
Shut off valves at key points in a plumbing system, such as before entering the house and at individual fixtures, make it possible to isolate a leak or carry out repairs without cutting off supply to the entire property.
05
Meters
A water meter records the volume of water passing through a connection and is typically installed at the boundary between municipal supply and a private property. Reading a meter periodically, and comparing it against expected usage, is one of the simplest ways to spot an unexplained increase in consumption that may point to a leak.