Well and Borehole Pumps

Well and borehole pumps are specially designed high-pressure water pumps with a high head (pumping height).

They are typically long and narrow, allowing them to fit into tight spaces such as wells and boreholes, where standard pumps would not be suitable.

The pump’s head height is simply a measure of pressure. It tells us the greatest vertical distance the pump can move water from its source to where it exits.

As a guide, 10 metres of head is roughly equal to 1 bar of pressure

This is one of the most important things to understand when selecting a pump.

Interesting Facts on Well and Borehole Pumps

Springs and wells have been used as water sources for thousands of years, often influencing the location of towns and villages.

Places with names containing “Bourne” are linked to springs, derived from the Old English word burna, meaning spring. Examples include Bourneville, Eastbourne and Sittingbourne.

In England and Wales, groundwater sources account for around 33% of water supply, with nearly 2.5 billion cubic metres abstracted annually.

A borehole is a deep, narrow hole drilled into the ground using specialised equipment, typically to access groundwater.

They are drilled to specific diameters, which is why borehole pumps are designed to be long and slim, allowing them to fit within these confined spaces.

Where these pumps are used

As submersible pumps, well and borehole pumps are commonly used for:

• Spraying and irrigation, including sprinkler systems
• Pumping water from wells, tanks and stored water
• Agricultural and industrial applications
• High-pressure water transfer over distance or height

They are used wherever water needs to be lifted from depth and delivered under pressure.

How Borehole Pumps Work

Borehole pumps are constructed using corrosion-resistant materials to cope with minerals in soil and groundwater.

Their narrow design allows them to operate in confined spaces, while their internal construction is designed to generate pressure efficiently.

What Makes Borehole Pumps Different

Stacked Impellers in borehole pumps allow for several impellers to be positioned one on top of another, which significantly increases the head height. Typically, a pump will either provide high flow or high head.

The stacked impellers create high pressure, pushing water out under considerable force. In contrast, regular submersible pumps, which are wider with a single impeller, offer a higher flow rate but less pressure.

Need help figuring out “head” vs flow? Read: Pump Curves Explained: How to Understand Flow Rate and Head.

Well Pumps

Well pumps offer a compromise between flow and pressure.

They are generally wider than borehole pumps, which allows for higher flow rates, while still maintaining useful pressure.

A good example is the APP MVH-10 well pump, which is commonly used for:

• Garden irrigation
• Sprinkler systems
• Pumping from wells and tanks

The MVH has a side outlet and wider body, meaning it is suited to wells and tanks, but not narrow boreholes.

Understanding the Range

Choosing the right pump comes down to what you actually need it to do.

A simple way to understand the range:

• MVH Well Pump
  Wider pump suited to wells, tanks and sprinkler systems. A good starting point for general use.
• Eurojet
  Entry-level borehole pump for basic setups and smaller installations.
• Divertron
  Intelligent pump with built-in electronics. Turns on automatically when a tap or hose is used.
• Acuasub
  High pressure pump for deeper wells and longer distances.
• Acuatec
  Balanced option providing both pressure and flow for most installations.
• Acuabig
  High flow pump with a larger 2” outlet for moving higher volumes of water.
• Acuasystem
  Designed for rainwater and tank systems. Can be used submerged or surface mounted, with optional floating suction to avoid debris.

How to Choose the Right Borehole or Well Pump

One of the most important factors is the head output, particularly when the pump is positioned several metres below ground.

The deeper the pump, or the further the water needs to travel, the more head is required.

You will generally find that taller pumps provide higher head, as they contain more stacked impellers.

Key Considerations When Selecting a Well or Borehole Pump Include:

• Head Output: The depth of the pump's position is crucial, as these pumps need a higher head output than standard submersible pumps. Generally, taller pumps offer higher head outputs due to additional impellers.
• Fit and Size: Borehole pumps are designed to fit snugly in narrow holes, whereas well pumps are wider, providing higher flow rates.
• Voltage Options: Well and borehole pumps are only available in 230V. 110V would typically lack sufficient power to operate the stacked impellers and provide the high head requirements.
• Automatic or Manual: You should consider whether the pump you require needs a float switch, and if there is sufficient space for this. The Divertron is a different form of automatic pump as it does not use a float switch, rather internal electronics which determine if a tap or valve has been opened, causing the pump to operate. Automatic pumps using float switches require space to operate, which is not always available in narrow boreholes.

Special Features

Divertron

The Divertron is a different type of automatic pump.

It uses integrated electronics to detect when a tap or valve is opened, switching the pump on and off automatically.

This makes it ideal for:

• Irrigation systems
• Hose use
• Washing vehicles or general outdoor use

Acuasub Range

The Acuasub range is designed for high-head applications, with capabilities of up to around 100 metres depending on the model.

It is suited to:

• Deep wells
• Long pipe runs
• Situations where pressure is critical

Not sure which pump you need?

Start by deciding what matters most: pressure, flow, or a balance of both.

Borehole pumps are designed for pressure. Some models prioritise flow. Others sit in the middle.

If you’re unsure, you’re usually looking for a balanced option.