No More Dry Taps: Why March–April Is Ghana’s Borehole Sweet Spot”

Kimberly Green
Aug 24
3 min read

For homeowners in Ghana, investing in a borehole is a transformative step—one that promises independence from rationing and unreliable municipal supply. But the timing of this investment is critical. When should you drill to maximize success and long-term water security?

Hydrogeological science points to a clear answer: the tail end of the dry season, specifically March and April.

The Golden Rule: Drill When the Water Table Is Lowest

The principle is simple: boreholes must prove their reliability under the toughest conditions. By drilling when the water table is at its lowest, you ensure that your well will perform year-round. This aligns with standard hydrogeological practice, which emphasizes testing water sources under “worst-case” conditions for sustainability [1].

March–April Advantage: By late March, the water table has been falling for months, reaching its annual low point [2]. If a borehole produces well in April, it is almost guaranteed to remain productive throughout the rainy season and beyond.
Rainy-Season Risk: Drilling during June–August rains can be misleading. A well that looks promising may only be tapping into shallow, temporary water. By December, it could run dry—a problem known as dry-season drying[3].

Practical Benefits of Dry-Season Drilling

In addition to the hydrogeological logic, late dry-season drilling makes practical sense:

Site Access: Dry, firm ground allows drill rigs and trucks to access your property without damaging lawns, driveways, or landscaping.
Project Scheduling: Securing contractors in this window minimizes weather delays and ensures the work is done efficiently.

The Non-Negotiable First Step: The Hydrogeophysical Survey

Timing matters—but location matters more. The single greatest determinant of success is a professional hydrogeophysical survey.

Using technologies like Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), surveyors map subsurface conditions to identify the fractures and aquifers that hold water [4]. A well-sited borehole in any season will outperform a poorly sited one drilled at the “perfect” time.

Rule of thumb: A survey in the wrong season is better than drilling blind in the right one.

The Ideal Homeowner’s Timeline

January–February: Planning & Survey

Research and hire a reputable drilling contractor.
Schedule and complete a hydrogeophysical survey.

March–Early April: Drilling & Completion

Drill based on survey results.
Develop and yield-test the borehole.

Late April–May: System Installation & Recharge

Install pump, plumbing, and storage tanks.
Seasonal rains begin to recharge aquifers, confirming reliability [2].

Conclusion: Investing in Certainty

Drilling between March and April is a strategic choice that combines science, practicality, and foresight. It ensures your borehole is tested under the harshest conditions, protects your property during construction, and sets you up for reliable, year-round supply.

By beginning with a professional survey and following a clear timeline, you move from hoping for water to knowing you have it—an investment in true water security.

References

[1] World Health Organization (WHO). Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality: Fourth Edition Incorporating the First Addendum. Geneva, 2017. Section 4.2.1.[2] Gyau-Boakye, P., & Dapaah-Siakwan, S. (1999). Groundwater: solution to Ghana’s rural water supply industry?Proceedings of the 25th WEDC Conference.[3] Calow, R. C., MacDonald, A. M., Nicol, A. L., & Robins, N. S. (2010). Ground water security and drought in Africa: linking availability, access, and demand. Ground Water, 48(2), 246–256.[4] Asare, A., et al. (2021). Application of geophysical techniques for groundwater exploration in a hard rock terrain: a case study in parts of the Eastern Region of Ghana. Applied Water Science, 11(6).