12/03/2018
Old, Unused Wells
Q: Why is it important to decommission an out of service well?
A: It may pose potential safety hazards to people and ground water quality.
Old wells can be forgotten. Casing may deteriorate and rust, new owners can build over old wells (EX: wastes associated with barns or structures that hold animals, structures that store hazardous materials, dumps, etc... built over an old well may cause contaminates to enter the well and down the aquifer.) – finally humans and animals may become injured or worse falling into the well.
Clues to locations of these wells:
• Pipes sticking out of the ground
• Small buildings that may have been a well house
• Depressions in the ground
• The presence of concrete vaults or pits (covered by lumber or metal plates)
• Out-of-use windmills (wind pumps) are likely to be located near an old well.
If you have any questions regarding decommissioning a well, do not hesitate to contact us!
