Geological Works
Waterserve International Kenya Limited and their specialist have gained Significant experience around the country in Groundwater exploration, structural mapping, and Geotechnical. We are under the Geological Society of Kenya(GSK) Membership.
Our exploration and drilling equipment is mobile for operations in all parts of our country
Underground water finding
Water in aquifers’ collects from rainfall and dissolved snowfall, filtered through the ground. As water goes down, it is consumed by trees, plants and evaporated by the heat of sun. The rest progresses to store at ground water level steadily to add quantity to the aquifer. This is based on hydraulic model. The quantity differs at different positions and land use as per the geological investigation.
Our technical team will visit the site along with hydro-geologists to identify the best place to carry out the drilling process.
Before drilling borehole
it’s very important to conduct a Hydro-geological Survey in your proposed site. Generally groundwater is unequally distributed Rockcam drillers ascertains suitable sites for exploration of significant quantities of groundwater before carrying out any drilling exercise.
This ensures the best spot is selected according to the geological data and our clients’ farm plan. We use a combination of geophysical methods to assist in the assessment of geological sub-surface conditions; mostly we use the resistivity method, vertical electrical sounding (V.E.S) and horizontal electrical profiling (H.E.P)
The process
The hydro-geological data, maps, graphs and cross-section profiles obtained from the hydro-geological survey are used in determination of important information such as ; ground water condition, estimation of drilling depth, Identification of stress areas Our Hydro-Geological Surveys Include The Following:-
- Site reconnaissance and site mapping
- Drilling of Trial Pits
- Geophysical studies and field tests
- Determination Water consistence and Water flow
- Hydro-dynamic
Borehole drilling & Construction
Drilling is done after hydro-geological survey and EIA. Waterserve International Ltd has a variety of drilling machinery for both boreholes. In addition we have the expertise in handling drilling equipment and we ensure water is struck before we leave the site. Our DTH machines can go to a maximum depth of 500m.
Drilling process
- Drilling is started 11″ on the loose top soil formation and a 9″ temporary casing installed, then drilling 8″ up to recommended depth
- Casings:- installation of 6″ casing pipe (Steel) up to the bottom generally a ratio of plain casings and screened casings is normally about 7:3 but depends on the hole drilled
- Gravel Pack:- 2-4 mm natural gravel is inserted in between the soil and the casings to fill the space
- Well Head Slab:- on the top 1X1X1 Metres digging pit and then making slab by using cement, sand and gravel this one ensures the hole is free from contamination sometimes a manhole with a metal cover can be used
- Capping:- fitting a cap at the top after casing installation
- Test Pumbing:- this one is donne for 24 hrs to measure the exact yield of the borehole and also the recharge potential
- Water Chemical & bacterical analysis:- this is very important to ascertain the quality of water for both irigation and domestic use and whether is suitable for use and gives recommendations for treatment
- Completion Report:- preparing completion report (Form 009A) as per WARMA rules and submit to the WARMA office and a copy to the client
Test Pumping
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The pump test is a controlled test whereby a borehole is pumped at a controlled rate and the level of response is measured and recorded.
Waterserve International Kenya Ltd carry out test pumping for 24hours or more if required to determine the hydraulic properties of the aquifer and also the expected yield (amount) of the borehole.
This information is used to determine the size of the pump that will be permanently installed to the borehole based on water demand, it can also be used as a future reference point should the performance of the borehole of the pump deteriorate or upgrade the existing pump due increase in demand.
Environmental Impact Assessment
Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a requirement by NEMA before drilling a borehole in Kenya and other construction works. Waterserve Ltd usually does EIA field questionnaire during geological survey for borehole works and then follows the reporting. We offer EIA services to all construction works for example; commercial and residential houses, petrol stations, water treatment plants, dams, go-downs etc. After submission of the EIA report to national environmental management authority (NEMA) we do a follow-up to ensure a permit is given to our client. With the NEMA and WRMA license borehole drilling can commence. Waterserve Ltd has highly qualified lead experts and environmental engineers with the right skills on EIA for quality service for our clients
Solar Pump Installation
When designing a solar pumping system, the designer must match the individual components together. A solar water pumping system consists of three major components: the solar array, pump controller and electric water pump
There are two main types of pumps
1. Roto-dynamic pumps (the most common being centrifugal pumps), and
2. Positive displacement pumps (e.g. diaphragm pumps)
Both types of pumps can form part of the water pumping systems
Our team of experts is able to handle both electric and solar installation
The process we use
Water-tower-Construction
Rockcam Ltd has structural engineers and technicians who design, fabricate and install all kind of water tanks. We bring you TANK SERVICES that incorporate the best features of bolted, welded and concrete foundation into a superior elevated water tank design. We offer both steel tank and plastic tank installations. Plastic tank design is cheaper because all you need is just a tower. We listen to our clients and develop water storage products and services that fulfil their water needs and financial capability.
Geochemical and geophysical
Borehole geophysics is one aspect of borehole measurements, partially overlapping with other aspects such as borehole sampling, borehole testing, and borehole monitoring.
Borehole geophysical investigations apply special downhole instruments, so-called logging sondes, to measure, record and analyze continuously or at discrete depths physical properties of the geological formations around a borehole, which is termed borehole or downhole logging.
Drilling Supervision
The aim of supervising borehole drilling is to ensure that boreholes are produced as designed and all the data collected during the drilling is accurately recorded and reported to the relevant agencies
Geotechnical investigation
Before beginning construction on — or even purchasing — a plot of land, it’s important to understand the makeup of the ground you intend to build on. What is the consistency of the soil? How much groundwater is there? Is the soil prone to liquefaction — when the ground takes on the properties of a liquid — in the event of an earthquake? It’s important to know these characteristics so that your building is constructed on a sturdy enough surface.
Whats included in a Geotechnical Survey.
It’s important to include highly-specific information in a geotechnical survey. For the most accurate and complete survey, the report should include the footprint of the building, the area of land where the building will be located, how much the land slopes, how close the land is to a body of water, if it will share common walls with existing buildings, the height of the building — including the basement, ground floor, and number of floors — and the geographical location of the building.
In many cases for building projects, a geotechnical survey is required before a building permit is granted. If a project is for rehabilitation, consolidation, modernization, or the refurbishment of an old building, a geotechnical survey will need to be completed
This is where geotechnical surveying comes in. The process of a geotechnical survey involves testing the soil consistency and structure, groundwater level, and making recommendations for any technical project based on the results. Boreholes are drilled at the site and samples are taken from the ground and analyzed in a lab. Based on the results of this survey, recommendations for building are created.