Algarve Boreholes
2026 cost guide

Borehole Cost in Portugal: Price per Metre Explained

What a water borehole really costs in the Algarve — how per-metre pricing works, what drives the total, and how to budget for it.

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How borehole pricing works

Borehole drilling in Portugal is priced per metre drilled — generally in the €35–€80/metre range — plus casing, the pump system and licensing. That is exactly how we quote. Since a productive borehole in the Algarve can run anywhere from 60 to 150+ metres, depth is the single biggest cost driver. The six factors that matter:

Depth. Nobody knows the exact depth before drilling, but local experience and neighbouring boreholes give a good estimate. This is why a driller who knows your area is worth real money.
Geology. Limestone and sandstone drill faster (and cheaper) than granite, schist or the syenite of the Monchique massif.
Diameter & casing. Higher flows need wider boreholes and more expensive casing.
Pump & equipment. Submersible pump, cabling, tank, pressure switch — sized to water depth and required flow.
Access. Drilling rigs are heavy. Difficult terrain may need preparation.
Licensing. The water-use title from APA/ARH carries administrative costs; we handle the process for you.
Cross-section of a water borehole: PVC casing, water level, submersible pump and aquifer
What a complete borehole includes: casing, submersible pump and the screened intake zone in the aquifer. (Labels in Portuguese.)

A note for foreign property owners

Licensing is mandatory — an unlicensed borehole can mean fines and a sealed well, and it complicates property resale. We handle the paperwork as part of the job. If you bought a property with an existing undocumented borehole, it can usually be regularised.

Cost FAQ

What is the price per metre for borehole drilling in Portugal?

Typically between €35 and €80 per metre drilled, depending on rock type, diameter and casing. Hard rock — like the Monchique massif — costs more per metre than sedimentary ground.

What does a complete borehole cost?

Most domestic boreholes — drilling, casing, pump and installation — come in between €3,000 and €10,000, depending mainly on depth. Deeper boreholes or hard-rock sites can exceed this. Only a site-specific quote gives a reliable figure.

Is the pump included in the price?

Usually quoted separately, because pump sizing depends on water depth and the flow you need. Always check what the quote includes.

Is it worth drilling a borehole in the Algarve?

If you irrigate a garden, top up a pool, or run a quinta — usually yes. Mains water in the Algarve is increasingly expensive and irrigation restrictions are common. With your own borehole, water costs essentially become the pump's electricity.

Furos de Água Algarve — groundwater abstraction across the Algarve. From site assessment to licensing and drilling, we manage the whole process with experienced local drilling crews. Free, transparent per-metre quotes.
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