This study is aim at investigating the causes of failures and hence the unsustainability of boreholes in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Data was collected through field survey, structured interview and the use of Global Positioning System (GPS). The result of the study was analysed using descriptive statistics and GIS buffer analysis techniques. The study revealed that there are 79% functional boreholes, and 20% non-functional borehole in the study area. It further revealed that 80% of the drilling companies undertake post construction evaluation of the performance of drilled wells, and attributed the failure of the boreholes to: equipment failure, depletion of the aquifer, contract procedure, improper well design and construction and poor yielding rate. The findings of the study equally revealed that most of the boreholes do not comply with the regulation and code of practice for borehole drilling in Nigeria. The research suggests more emphasis to be placed on the development of community capacities to manage the services during and after the installation of borehole, and more enlightenment and enforcement should be done on the code of practice for borehole drilling in Nigeria.

Keywords: Borehole failure, Borehole sustainability, Safe water, Chikun LGA, Kaduna State