How Down-Hole Camera Technology Has Transformed Since 2006

The photo above takes us back to 2006, when down-hole camera technology was still a breakthrough for the water industry. At that time, these Laval cameras were considered cutting edge. For the first time, contractors and bore owners could clearly see the inside of their wells and screens. This was especially important for us when using BoreSaver Ultra C, because it allowed us to confirm just how effective the cleaning process was.

Back then, the footage was recorded onto VHS tapes—bulky, low-resolution, and sometimes grainy. Still, it was revolutionary compared to relying only on flow rates, water quality tests, or assumptions about what was happening underground. The ability to visually confirm a clean bore screen was a game-changer for rehabilitation work.

Fast forward to today, and the technology has leapt forward dramatically. Laval and other down-hole camera systems now deliver crisp, high-definition digital video, capturing every detail of the borehole wall, screen, and pump intake. The improvements in resolution mean that iron bacteria, manganese deposits, and other encrustations can be identified with incredible clarity, helping diagnose problems faster and more accurately.

Digital recording has also replaced VHS tapes, making footage easier to store, share, and review. High-quality still images, live streaming, and even 360-degree viewing options are now available. These advances not only improve the accuracy of bore assessments but also make it easier to demonstrate results to clients—providing confidence that cleaning and maintenance work has been carried out to the highest standard.

Looking back at the 2006 images, it’s clear how far we’ve come. What was once grainy, tape-based footage has evolved into sharp, high-definition evidence of bore condition. And while the chemistry of BoreSaver Ultra C has remained consistently reliable, the way we document and showcase its effectiveness has never been better.