Looking Back: Our First Recycle Clean – And How Far We've Come

Many years ago, we took part in our very first recycle clean of a groundwater bore using a local contractor. It was a bit of an experiment at the time—but it worked, and it laid the foundation for how we approach bore cleaning today.

The contractor arrived with a tank mounted on a trailer—nothing fancy, just practical. We brought along a spare pump, scrounged up a few fittings, and got to work. After mixing BoreSaver Ultra C into the tank, we cycled the water from the bore into the tank, treated it, and pumped it back down the well. The solution worked its way through the pump, rising main, and surrounding area, dislodging iron-related bacteria and mineral build-up. It cleaned up beautifully.

That basic setup—one tank, a pump, a few hoses—was the start of something. Today, over 30 years later, we’ve streamlined and simplified the process. With better fittings, smarter pumps, and refined dosing, a quick recycle clean is still one of the most effective ways to get a sluggish bore flowing again—especially after long periods of inactivity or seasonal buildup.

For a light clean or first response, it’s still a great method: easy, affordable, and quick to mobilise.

That said, my favourite approach is still working with a cable tool rig over the bore—especially when we’re out on larger jobs with government departments or mining contractors. There's nothing quite like the power and precision of a proper redevelopment. Watching years of buildup break free and seeing the bore restore itself to full performance is incredibly satisfying.

We've come a long way since that first clean, but the core idea remains: practical, effective bore maintenance using the right tools for the job.