Flowing exploration boreholes in the area surrounding the Peake and Denison Ranges were uncontrolled and in various states of disrepair when inspected in November 1974. Some bores were easily accessible, others could not be approached within 10 to 40 m using a heavy vehicle. About half had open casing. The majority might be plugged by pumping cement down the hole at a faster rate than the water flow emerging, although platforms will have to be constructed to work over some bores. Major problems exist with Chevron holes LHDH6, 7 and 15 and Shell SDA15. A rig will probably be required for their repair. All envisaged repair work is rechargeable, except for that needing doing on 2 small seismic holes west of Old Nilpinna. It is stressed that this work should be carried out as soon as possible, as conditions of many bores are rapidly deteriorating. Stricter exploraiton licence conditions and liaison between the Hydrogeology and Mineral Exploration Sections of the Mines Department are proposed to eliminate the problem of poor drilling and completion techniques in areas where water at a potentiometric level above ground surface is likely to be encountered. Borehole specifications and inspection during drilling will be required. This will become a matter of course when the state is defined under the Underground Waters Preservation Act.