With Perth households restricted to a 2-day-per-week scheme water sprinkler roster, drilling a garden bore is one of the most effective ways to maintain a lush landscape while slashing quarterly Water Corporation bills. Over 175,000 homes across the Perth metropolitan area tap into the shallow unconfined superficial aquifer.
However, borehole depth, soil formation (sand vs limestone vs granite), pump sizing, and groundwater quality vary drastically from coastal suburbs like Scarborough to the foothills of Gosnells and Kalamunda. Here is what you need to know about 2026 installation costs, equipment, and Department of Water regulations.
How Much Does a Garden Bore Cost in Perth? (2026 Pricing)
A complete new residential garden bore in Perth costs between $3,800 and $7,500 for shallow to medium sandy aquifers (12m to 25m depth). Deep bores or drilling through hard limestone and clay can reach $8,500 to $12,000+.
| Component / Service | Cost Range (Perth 2026) | Details & Typical Specifications |
|---|---|---|
| Rotary Mud Drilling (Per Metre) | $65 – $110 / metre | Standard 100–125mm PVC casing with slotted intake screens |
| Submersible Bore Pump (0.75kW – 1.5kW) | $1,400 – $2,600 | Grundfos, Lowara, or Davey multi-stage stainless steel pump |
| Bore Electrical Starter Box & Cabling | $450 – $850 | Dedicated 240V circuit breaker, contactor & run capacitor |
| Connection to Existing Reticulation System | $600 – $1,200 | Master solenoid valve, check valve, pressure relief & plumbing manifold |
| Stainless Steel Spearing (Shallow Sand 6–10m) | $2,200 – $3,400 | Economical alternative in high-water-table areas (Bayswater, Bassendean) |
| Iron Staining Filtration / Clearbore System | $1,200 – $3,500 | Automatic dosing system to prevent rust stains on limestone & fences |
| Complete Turnkey Bore & Retic Package | $4,500 – $7,800 | Drilled, cased, pumped, wired, tested & connected to smart Wi-Fi retic |
Superficial Aquifer Depths Across Perth Metro
Drilling depth depends on your suburb's height above sea level and the depth to the groundwater table:
- Shallow Aquifers (6m – 14m): Bayswater, Bassendean, Maylands, Morley, Cannington, Gosnells, Spearwood. Quick to drill and lowest pump wattage required.
- Medium Depth Aquifers (15m – 25m): Joondalup, Stirling, Dianella, Balcatta, Victoria Park, Applecross, Murdoch.
- Deep / Elevated Aquifers (28m – 45m+): Duncraig, City Beach, Cottesloe ridge, Kalamunda / Perth Hills (often granite rock requiring hammer drilling).
Water Corporation & DWER Garden Bore Regulations in WA
Under the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) and Water Corporation rules:
- No Water Meter or Usage Fees: Unlicensed residential garden bores drawing from the superficial aquifer for garden use are currently exempt from volumetric water charges.
- 3-Day Bore Roster: Bore users are entitled to water on an allocated 3-day roster based on the last digit of your house number (compared to only 2 days for scheme water users).
- Watering Times: Bore reticulation is only permitted before 9:00am or after 6:00pm on designated roster days.
- Winter Sprinkler Ban: The mandatory winter sprinkler ban (1 June to 31 August) applies equally to all garden bores across Perth and Mandurah.
Submersible Pumps vs Old Surface Centrifugal Well Pumps
Older Perth homes frequently feature deep concrete well liners with noisy, surface-mounted centrifugal pumps that require manual priming and are susceptible to flooding. Modern installations use sealed, multi-stage stainless steel submersible pumps dropped directly inside a 100mm PVC bore casing underground. Submersible pumps are completely silent, maintenance-free, self-priming, and invisible from the surface.
Upgrade or Connect Your Perth Garden Bore
Backyard Roo diagnoses, repairs, and connects garden bores into high-efficiency smart reticulation systems across Perth. Free on-site quotes.
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