Water Well Decommissioning

An unused or abandoned well on your property can present significant environmental and health risks if not properly decommissioned. If a well is left in an improper state, it can serve as a direct conduit for contaminants—such as bacteria from surface water, septic effluent, pesticides, fertilizers, and other pollutants—into the surrounding aquifer. This poses a serious risk to the quality of the water in your current well and any nearby wells, potentially compromising the drinking water of your household and neighboring properties.

Why Decommissioning is Essential

Proper well decommissioning is essential for safeguarding the integrity of groundwater resources. When a well is no longer in use, it is important to ensure it does not become a pathway for contamination. If a well has been abandoned or is no longer operational, it can:

• Allow Surface Contaminants to Enter: Surface water can carry contaminants such as bacteria, chemicals, and waste into the well, eventually infiltrating the aquifer below. This poses a long-term risk to water quality.

• Compromise Nearby Wells: If the abandoned well is not sealed correctly, the contaminants that enter could spread to surrounding wells, impacting the health and safety of the community.

• Harm Aquifer Sustainability: Wells that are not properly decommissioned can disrupt the natural flow of groundwater, leading to issues with aquifer recharge and long-term water availability.

When to Decommission a Well

According to government regulations, a well must be decommissioned if it has been unused for five years or more, or if there is no intention of future use. Additionally, decommissioning may be required in the following cases:

• Proximity to Proposed or Existing Septic Systems: A well located near a septic system poses an elevated risk of contamination, making decommissioning a necessary step to protect groundwater quality.

• Known Contaminants: If a well is located in an area with known contamination risks (e.g., industrial activities, agricultural runoff), it should be properly decommissioned to prevent the spread of these pollutants to other water sources.

Regulatory Requirements for Well Decommissioning

To ensure the proper decommissioning of wells, there are stringent government regulations in place that outline the procedures and requirements for sealing abandoned wells. These regulations are designed to protect both public health and the environment by ensuring that wells are properly closed and do not become a source of contamination.

It is important to review these regulations and follow the prescribed methods for well decommissioning. If you are unsure about the process or need assistance, I am happy to discuss your options and guide you through the decommissioning procedure.

Our Decommissioning Services

At Essential Water Works, we are equipped to handle the proper decommissioning of your well, following all applicable regulations and best practices. Our services include:

• Well Assessment: We conduct a thorough assessment of the well construction to determine the most appropriate decommissioning approach.

• Sealing the Well: We utilize industry-standard materials and techniques to properly seal the well, preventing any contamination from entering the groundwater.

• Regulatory Compliance: We ensure that all decommissioning work is in full compliance with local and regional regulations, providing you with peace of mind and legal assurance.

If you have an unused well on your property or suspect that a well may pose a contamination risk, don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us today to discuss the decommissioning process and ensure the protection of your water supply and the surrounding environment.