Diversify Your Farm’s Income: Unlock the Potential of Groundwater

In an ever-evolving agricultural landscape, farmers are under increasing pressure to find innovative ways to diversify income and enhance the sustainability of operations. While many diversification options exist, one often overlooked resource lies beneath your feet: groundwater.  By abstracting, bottling, and selling this precious natural resource, you could create a lucrative new revenue stream.

At Igne, we specialise in helping landowners unlock the potential of groundwater.  From commissioning hydrogeological surveys to guiding you through regulatory hurdles, from borehole drilling and lining to setting up bottling plants, we provide end-to-end support. 

Our successful collaboration with the Pant Du brand demonstrates how farmers like you can transform local resources into globally recognised products.  

Why Groundwater Could Be Your Farm’s Most Valuable Asset

As a landowner, you legally own the groundwater beneath your property and can abstract it for sale, provided you meet regulatory requirements.  This groundwater can be a hidden asset, especially with growing global demand for bottled water.  According to the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment, and Health, the market experienced a staggering 73% growth between 2010 and 2020.  Consumption is projected to increase from around 350 billion litres in 2021 to 460 billion litres by 2030. 

In the UK, this growth is driven by factors including increasing health consciousness, concerns over water quality, and recent incidents like the cryptosporidium contamination in Devon.

Bottled water’s appeal lies in its convenience and in the perceived purity and safety it offers - qualities that groundwater from your farm can naturally provide. 

By tapping into this growing market, you can position your farm as a trusted supplier of high-quality water and secure a steady income stream.

How Igne Supports Farmers Unlock Groundwater Potential

At Igne, we provide a comprehensive suite of services to help farmers capitalise on their groundwater resources. From initial feasibility studies to bottling plant setup, we ensure every step of the process is seamless and efficient. 

Here’s how we do it:

1. Hydrogeological Surveys

We commission detailed hydrogeological surveys to assess the quantity and quality of groundwater available beneath your property.  This crucial first step determines whether the resource is sufficient to justify the investment in abstraction and bottling.  By understanding the geological conditions, we can identify the most sustainable and productive water sources.

2. Licensing Applications

Navigating the regulatory environment can be a complex and time-consuming process.  Our team has extensive experience in securing abstraction licenses when required, ensuring full compliance with legal requirements.  By streamlining this process, we minimise delays and help you focus on the business potential of your new venture.

3. Borehole Drilling

Once any licenses are secured, we proceed with drilling boreholes tailored to your farm’s specific geological conditions.  Using state-of-the-art drilling technology, we ensure efficient and sustainable groundwater extraction.  Our team works with minimal disruption to existing farm operations, maintaining a tidy and professional worksite.

4. Water Purification and Quality Assurance

Groundwater is often naturally filtered through layers of rock, resulting in water that is pure and rich in minerals.  After conducting thorough testing of your supply, we determine whether additional purification is necessary.  If so, we install required infrastructure to meet industry standards and consumer expectations.

5. Bottling Plant Setup

The final step is establishing the bottling infrastructure.  We assist you in selecting the right installer, ensuring bottling equipment meets industry standards and produces high-quality bottled water.  Whether you aim to supply local retailers or enter international markets, we help tailor the setup to your goals.

Case Study: The Success of Pant Du

A shining example of farm diversification through groundwater abstraction is our partnership with Pant Du.  Located in North Wales, Pant Du was already a well-established vineyard and orchard before deciding to diversify into bottled water.  With our support, this transition became a resounding success:

• Feasibility Study: we confirmed the availability of a sustainable and high-quality water source.
• Regulatory Compliance: we supported the licensing process, ensuring full compliance with legal requirements.
• Borehole Drilling: our team drilled boreholes with minimal disruption to Pant Du’s existing operations.
• Bottling Infrastructure: we guided the installation of a state-of-the-art bottling plant tailored to production ambitions.

Today, Pant Du’s bottled water is recognised internationally, demonstrating how a local resource can be transformed into a high-value product with the right expertise and support.

Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Invest

The bottled water industry’s upward trajectory shows no signs of slowing.  Several factors make now an ideal time to consider groundwater abstraction for sale:

• Public Awareness: recent crises, such as the parasite-contaminated water scandal in Devon, have heightened consumer demand for safe and reliable drinking water.
• Health Trends: increasing health consciousness has driven many consumers to choose bottled water over sugary drinks.
• Environmental Concerns: while single-use plastics remain a challenge, innovations in sustainable packaging are helping the industry adapt.  Eco-friendly bottling solutions can position your farm as a responsible and forward-thinking brand.
• PFAS Contamination: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been found in water supplies, alarming experts and consumers alike.  Groundwater from your farm, properly tested and purified, can serve as a trusted alternative.

The Benefits of Diversifying with Groundwater

• Steady Revenue Stream: bottled water provides a reliable income source that’s less dependent on seasonal factors.
• Brand Building: creating your own bottled water brand can enhance your farm’s reputation and open doors to additional business opportunities.
• Sustainability: groundwater abstraction, when done responsibly, is a sustainable way to utilise natural resources.
• Market Demand: with bottled water consumption projected to rise, the market offers significant growth potential.

Igne: Your Partner in Farm Diversification

We’re committed to helping farmers unlock the value of their land in innovative and sustainable ways.  Our proven track record, exemplified by our partnership with Pant Du, positions us as the go-to experts for groundwater abstraction and bottling. 

From feasibility studies to full-scale implementation, we’re with you every step of the way. Contact Igne today; together, we can turn your land’s hidden resources into a thriving business that secures your farm’s future. igne.com | hello@igne.com | 01544 267980