Location: Near Much Wenlock, Shropshire
Property Type: Agricultural – High elevation, Off-grid
Project Duration: Seven Days
Completed: July 2026
Project Overview
Hughes Drilling was commissioned to design and install a solar-powered water borehole for an agricultural property near Much Wenlock, Shropshire.
Located at a high elevation on top of a hill and without access to mains water supply, the customer required a reliable, independent source of water for livestock.
The completed system provided a dependable off-grid water supply whilst significantly reducing the property’s long-term running costs.
Our Survey
Before drilling began, our team carried out a detailed assessment of the site to establish the most suitable drilling approach.
We considered:
• Local geology
• Nearby successful boreholes
• Access for the drilling rig
• Environmental considerations
• Expected drilling depth
Based on our initial assessment, the anticipated drilling depth was 70–90 metres
Installation Process
Day 1 – Mobilisation & Drilling
• Mobilised drilling rig
• Set temporary casing
• Began rotary percussion drilling
Day 2 – Reaching the Water Table
• Reached water table
• Continued drilling to final depth
Day 3 – Borehole Construction & De-mobilisation
• Pulled drill rods out
• Installed borehole casing
• Installed filter gravel and bentonite seal
Day 4 – Pump Installation
• Completed borehole headworks
• Installed Submersible Pump
Day 5 – Solar & Storage Installation
• Installed PV array & kiosk
• Installed 10,000L tank
Day 6 – Power System
• Installed inverter and battery pack
Day 7 – Testing & Commissioning
• Began pumping
• System fully commissioned
Project Results
Final Borehole Depth: 82 metres
Static Water Level: 18 metres
Pump Installed: 1.5kW, Single Phase Pump
Water Yield: 30 litres per minute
Water Quality: Excellent after standard filtration.
The completed borehole achieved a 30 litres-per-minute yield, providing the property with a reliable and sustainable source of water.
Combined with the solar PV system, battery storage and 10,000-litre tank, the installation provides a practical off-grid water solution with minimal ongoing energy costs.
Customer Feedback
“Hughes’ got back to me in no time and have given me a reliable water supply with great pressure. The borehole has saved me time and money, which I can now use on other parts of my farm.”
A Reliable Off-Grid Water Solution
This project demonstrates how a borehole combined with solar power and water storage can provide an efficient and reliable water supply for agricultural properties where mains water is unavailable or impractical.
Thinking about installing a borehole?
Contact Hughes Drilling to discuss your requirements and arrange a site assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep was the borehole?
82 metres.
How long did drilling take?
Three days.
Did planning permission need to be obtained?
No, although Building Regulations and Environment Agency requirements were considered.
Is this depth typical for a borehole?
70 to 90m is very common, but every site is different depending on the local geology.
A Reliable Off-Grid Water Solution
A Reliable Off-Grid Water Solution