Abandoning Unused or Uncovered Wells

Shoreline, Septic & Stormwater

Unused or poorly covered wells can channel pollution straight into groundwater—or injure people and wildlife. Here's how to find them and get them sealed properly.

Why This Matters

  • Groundwater protection: Old wells bypass natural soil filtration, letting runoff, pathogens, and chemicals reach drinking water aquifers
  • Safety: Open or weakly covered wells are fall hazards for children, pets, and wildlife
  • Liability & compliance: Many areas require wells that are not in use or not maintained to be sealed by a licensed professional

What Counts as "Unused" vs. "Active" vs. "Abandoned"

Active

Regularly used, with intact wellhead, sanitary cap, power and plumbing in service

Inactive/Seasonal

Still maintained (sanitary cap intact, system protected) with a plan to return to service

Abandoned/Unused

Not maintained or no intent to use; missing cap or damaged casing; unknown condition—must be evaluated and typically sealed

How to Find Hidden or Forgotten Wells

  • Clues on Site

    Old pump pads, buried power lines, small concrete rings, pipe stubs, patched slabs, windmill footings, or a depression in the ground

  • Paper Trail

    Property deeds, old well logs, utility records, inspection reports, or past permits

  • Interviews

    Ask previous owners or neighbors about past homes, cabins, or farm uses

  • Simple Locating Tools

    Metal probe or detector for steel casings; mark suspected spots for a pro to confirm

Make It Safe Now (Interim Steps)

  • Secure the area: Temporary rigid cover over any open casing; cordon off if collapse risk exists
  • Do not pour debris or soil into the well; improper filling makes proper sealing harder and riskier
  • Avoid vehicle traffic over suspected locations to prevent collapse

The Proper Sealing ("Decommissioning") Process

Sealing should be done by a licensed well professional following your state/local code.
  1. Evaluate & plan: Confirm location, construction type, depth, and diameter; check for contamination and nearby utilities
  2. Remove equipment: Pull pumps, drop pipe, wiring, screens, and any obstructions; fish out debris if present
  3. Disinfect the well: Shock chlorinate (or equivalent) to neutralize biofilms before sealing
  4. Choose sealing materials: Typically bentonite chips/pellets, neat cement, or cement-bentonite grout as specified by code
  5. Bottom-up placement: Use a tremie pipe to place grout from the bottom upward to avoid voids; stage materials if the well is deep or screened
  6. Seal the annulus & surface: Ensure the casing/annular space is grouted; remove or cut casing below grade as required and cap with a permanent seal
  7. Restore the surface: Grade to shed water; re-vegetate to prevent ponding over the former well
  8. Document & report: The professional files a sealing record with the appropriate agency; keep copies with your property records

Costs & Coordination (What to Expect)

  • Site-specific: Depth, diameter, debris removal, and access drive costs
  • Multiple wells: Old homesteads may have more than one—budget for a quick survey
  • Schedule: Plan during dry-ground conditions if access is tight

Who to Call

  • Licensed well contractor for inspection and sealing plan
  • County environmental health or state well program for rules, forms, and potential cost-share
  • Utility locator before any digging or probing

Good Records to Keep

  • Sealing certificate/record
  • Maps or sketches of the former location
  • Contractor contact
  • Any pre-sealing water test
  • Add a note to your disclosure documents for future sales

Common Myths—And Better Takes

Myth

"Just fill it with dirt"

Better Take

Soil settles and can leave pathways; codes require approved grout from the bottom up

Myth

"If it's capped, it's fine"

Better Take

An old or improvised cap isn't a sanitary seal and doesn't make an unused well safe

Myth

"We might need it someday"

Better Take

Keeping a well "inactive" still requires maintenance; true dormant wells often end up unsafe or non-compliant

Simple Checklist (Print & Use)

  • Walk the property for clues and mark suspects
  • Gather records and old permits
  • Call licensed well professional + utility locator
  • Secure any open casings (temporary rigid cover)
  • Approve sealing plan/materials
  • Complete sealing; restore surface
  • File and save the sealing record

Bottom Line

Unused or uncovered wells are a direct line to groundwater. Find them, secure them, and have a licensed professional seal them to protect people and your lake.

Related Topics

Key Takeaways

  • Old wells bypass soil filtration and threaten groundwater
  • Look for clues: pump pads, concrete rings, depressions
  • Secure open wells immediately with rigid covers
  • Never fill with dirt—use licensed professional
  • Proper sealing uses grout from bottom up
  • Keep sealing records with property documents

Safety Hazards

  • Fall risk for children & pets
  • Wildlife entrapment
  • Groundwater contamination
  • Liability exposure
  • Compliance violations

Sealing Steps

  1. Evaluate & plan
  2. Remove equipment
  3. Disinfect well
  4. Choose materials
  5. Bottom-up placement
  6. Seal annulus & surface
  7. Restore surface
  8. Document & report

Need Professional Help?

Contact a licensed well contractor for inspection and sealing. Check with your county environmental health office for requirements and potential cost-share programs.

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