Bore water can seem like a great solution. It’s often free, reliable, and always available. But there’s a catch; what’s in that water can quietly destroy your pump from the inside out. And here’s the thing: most of the time, people don’t realise the water quality is the issue. The pump starts underperforming, needing frequent maintenance, or flat-out failing, and it gets chalked up to bad luck or poor installation.

What’s Hiding in Your Bore Water?

Underground water doesn’t come out pristine. It brings everything it touches—minerals, sediment, bacteria—right into your system. And your pump? It takes the hit, cycle after cycle.

Some of the most common culprits are things you won’t notice at a glance. Iron, for example, isn’t always obvious at first. It might not even show up in a basic visual inspection. But over time, it starts to build up inside your pump and fittings, forming deposits that restrict flow and trap debris.

Then there’s sand. One of the most damaging things to pump internals, especially if you’re not using any filtration. Even tiny particles act like grit inside the pump, slowly grinding away at seals, impellers, and bearings. The result? Lower efficiency, weird noises, and eventually, complete failure.

The Slow Burn of Biological Contaminants

Another issue that often flies under the radar? Organic material. Things like algae, bacteria, or decomposing plant matter can get into your bore and cause havoc over time. They don’t just make the water smell off; they coat internal pump parts with biofilm, clog filters, and encourage even more build-up. Iron bacteria, in particular, are a pain. They don’t just feed on iron, they make it worse by forming slimy deposits that trap more of it.

You’ll often notice strange stains, blocked filters, or odd odours long before the actual source of the problem becomes obvious. By then, damage has usually started, especially in areas like Perth where groundwater can be highly variable. It’s one of the common causes behind repeated bore pump repairs Perth, but it is often overlooked.

Damage Doesn’t Always Look Dramatic

That’s the frustrating part. Bore water damage is usually slow, steady, and expensive. A worn impeller here. A burnt-out motor there. A pump that used to work fine but now takes twice as long to do the job.

It’s death by a thousand cuts. Nothing major at first, just a small reduction in flow. Or a bit of extra heat coming off the unit. But once one part is under strain, others start compensating and wearing out faster.

Some systems will give you warning signs. Others will just fail outright one day, often during peak use, when you’re depending on it most.

So What Can You Actually Do?

Start with information. Get your water tested properly. A lab test will show you the levels of iron, calcium, pH, salinity, and anything else that might be problematic. Without that data, you’re guessing, and that’s how most people end up replacing pumps way earlier than they should.

Once you know what you’re dealing with, you’ve got options:

● Install filtration – The right filters remove sand, iron, or organics before they ever reach your pump.

● Use protective materials – Some pumps are built with stainless steel or chemical-resistant plastics designed to handle aggressive water.

● Adjust maintenance schedules – More frequent checks and cleans might be needed for certain water types.

● Treat the water – In some cases, adding a treatment system can neutralise acidity or remove hardness before the water hits your pump.

You don’t need to overhaul your system completely. Even small changes, like swapping out a filter type or adding a sediment trap, can make a huge difference in pump lifespan.

If You’re Seeing Problems, Don’t Ignore Them

Strange noises. Pressure drops. Filters clogging faster than usual. These aren’t just annoyances; they’re warning signs.

A pump that’s exposed to poor-quality water will almost always start giving subtle hints before it breaks. The trick is recognising them early and knowing what they’re trying to tell you.

Because once you know it’s the water, you can take steps to protect the gear that keeps it flowing.

Keep Your Pump in the Game

Good quality bore water is the exception, not the rule. If you’re lucky enough to have clean, neutral, low-mineral water, great. But if not? You’ve got to work with what you have and protect your pump accordingly.

Don’t assume pump failure is just part of the deal. In many cases, it’s completely preventable. A few smart tweaks to your setup can save you thousands in repairs, replacements, and wasted time.