Water Due Diligence Checklist

Module 8 Tool • Verify Water Security

Municipal Supply Assessment

Hours/day available: Documented from 3+ local businesses (not utility company claims)

Seasonal variation: Dry season vs. wet season hours checked separately

Pressure/flow rate: Measured at proposed site (not nearest connection point)

Quality tested: Lab analysis for contaminants, not visual inspection

Connection cost: Quote obtained from utility (often $5-20k surprise)

Borehole Feasibility

Hydrogeological survey: Professional survey, not driller's estimate

Expected depth: Based on nearby boreholes (not regional average)

Yield estimate: m³/hour needed vs. expected yield (conservative estimate)

Water table trend: Historical data showing stable/rising/falling (last 10 years)

Permit requirements: Drilling + abstraction permits verified (often separate)

Neighbor conflicts: Nearby boreholes checked (can lower your table)

Backup Systems

Storage capacity: Sized for 7-30 days (depending on criticality)

Treatment system: If needed, costs + maintenance included

Pump backup: Spare pump + generator for borehole

⚠️ Red Flags: Municipal <6h/day, borehole depth >120m, water table dropping >2m/year, no drilling permit available, agri operations in water-stressed zone. ANY of these = reconsider location or budget 2-3x water capex.