Well Sealing

Well sealing and abandonment

A well that is no longer used, or one where groundwater can no longer be pumped from it in useable quantities, should be sealed and abandoned.

Easterday-Wilson Water Services is an expert at sealing and decommissioning wells to avoid potential safety hazards and groundwater contamination.

Four reasons to seal an abandoned well:

Groundwater contamination.

Abandoned wells that have not been properly sealed provide a direct channel for contaminants to move into aquifers being used to supply drinking water.

Safety.

Abandoned wells are dangerous to people and animals because many are open holes in the ground that may be hidden by rotten wood covers or vegetation.

Liability.

A landowner can be held liable for accidents or groundwater contamination caused by an improperly sealed abandoned well.

Responsible transfer of title to land.

A person that purchases land containing an abandoned well is responsible for sealing the well, or can be found liable for any damages related to the well. A responsible transfer of title should include disclosure of all wells, operational or sealed.

Achieving water well abandonment

Most states and counties require any old and/or unused well to be abandoned and/or sealed by licensed contractors, like Easterday-Wilson’s certified State Water Specialists.

Well sealing is a relatively brief, but meticulous process:

  • Our crews first remove all pumps and pipes from the well 
  • If possible, we remove all casing, liners, and screens 
  • Starting from the bottom and moving up, we fill the well with gravel and bentonite, or occasionally concrete 
  • When the well has been sealed, we will send certified documents to the owner, county, and state

Signs you might have an unused well on your property:

  • Pipes protruding from ground
  • Small buildings that may have served as a well house
  • Depressions in the earth
  • Concrete vaults or pits covered by lumber or metal plates
  • Out-of-use windmills and pumps, or additions to older homes – which were typically located in close proximity to a well

Easterday-Wilson can ensure the safety of your drinking water by properly sealing your abandoned water well.



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