Bores tap into ground water

DRILLING for water has always been something associated more with the Outback than with the Yarra Valley.
But with more than a decade of drought even landowners in the comparatively lush Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are tapping into ground water.
Mick Ellis who owns and operates M R Ellis Pty Ltd out of Wandin has been sinking water bores for more than 10 years.
He started in the Northern Territory and after drilling all around Australia has found the growing need and awareness of underground water as an alternative has created a viable niche in the south. His customers range from householders who have invested heavily, both personally and fiscally, in their gardens and can’t bear the through of losing it all, to rural property owners who have found the cost of sinking a bore is competitive with the cost of buying in water.
Modern-day bores are unobtrusive and can even be installed fully concealed underground according to Mr Ellis.
Mr Ellis said the average bore depth is 60 metres and adds that the quality of water in Yarra Ranges is excellent for drinking and for other purposes and was increasingly competitive in terms of cost. “The cost of putting in a bore was expensive two years ago. I now own all my equipment and generally the cost will be about $12,000.
“Compared with even a good sized water tank, that is very competitive, particularly when you consider it delivers year-round water,” he said.
Mr Ellis said most people don’t know a lot about bore water and he is always happy to sit down with anyone who is thinking of putting in a bore and providing information and a quote.
Working in the Yarra Ranges in a job he loves is particularly rewarding Mr Ellis said.
“You are always working somewhere different and I find people really appreciate it when do find a lot of water and it’s good quality water.
“It’s a pretty rewarding sort of trade.” For further information phone M R Ellis Pty Ltd on 5961 9013 or 0457 099 339, or visit Michael@waterbores.net.