Testing borehole water for drinking in Kenya is a crucial step to ensure its safety and compliance with public health standards. Here’s a guide on how to test borehole water in Kenya:
1. Why Test Borehole Water?
Borehole water may contain:
Biological contaminants (e.g. E. coli, coliform bacteria)
Chemical contaminants (e.g. fluoride, nitrates, heavy metals)
Physical impurities (e.g. turbidity, color)
Consuming contaminated water can cause serious health problems, including gastrointestinal illnesses, fluorosis, and heavy metal poisoning.
2. Where to Get Borehole Water Tested in Kenya
Testing must be done by accredited laboratories. Options include:
Government Institutions:
Kenya Water Institute (KEWI) – Nairobi, Kitui, Kisumu
Ministry of Water & Sanitation and Irrigation
National Public Health Laboratories (NPHL) – Nairobi
Private Labs:
SGS Kenya
Bureau Veritas Kenya
Polucon Services Kenya Ltd
Protech Water and Solar Equipments Company – Often provides borehole testing, water purification, and treatment services.
📞 Always call ahead to confirm requirements and sample collection instructions.
3. What Tests Should Be Done?
Standard tests include:
A. Microbiological Testing
E. coli
Total coliforms
B. Chemical Testing
pH
Fluoride
Iron
Nitrates/Nitrites
Chlorides
Sulfates
Heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury)
C. Physical Parameters
Color
Odor
Turbidity
Total dissolved solids (TDS)
Electrical conductivity (EC)
✅ Tests should align with WHO and KEBS drinking water standards.
4. How to Collect a Sample
Use a clean, sterile container.
Let the borehole run for 5–10 minutes before collecting.
Label the sample clearly (date, time, location).
Deliver to the lab within 6 hours, ideally in a cooler box.
5. Interpreting Results
Labs will give you a report showing whether the water meets KEBS or WHO standards.
If water fails any tests, treatment options (e.g., UV sterilization, reverse osmosis, chlorination) should be considered.
6. Water Treatment & Filtration
If your borehole water is not safe, consider treatment solutions:
Protech Water and Solar Equipments Company offers:
Water purification systems (UV, RO, sand/carbon filters)
Solar-powered borehole pumps
Customized water treatment solutions
7. Cost of Testing
Basic tests: KES 2,000–5,000
Comprehensive testing: KES 10,000–20,000+
8. Recommended Frequency
Initial test after drilling.
Annually or after major environmental events (e.g. flooding, nearby construction).