Whether you end up occupying a property that already contains an unused well, or you need to decommission or abandon a well you previously used, it’s important to do so safely. The only way to do this is to work with a qualified well contractor so they can address all physical and environmental dangers.
Dangers of an Abandoned Well
An abandoned well may not pose an immediate problem, but it will eventually create issues if left unmanaged. It’s important to address these issues sooner rather than later to protect people, animals, and the area’s water supply.
Physical Dangers
An abandoned or unused well poses a grave safety hazard. If it’s not in use, tall grass or other vegetation can easily obscure the wellhead, creating a physical hazard for people, lawn and farm machinery, and vehicles.
It’s also possible for well covers to degrade, creating an unstable surface or exposing an open well shaft. In these situations, people and animals can easily fall into the well shaft and sustain serious injuries or trauma.
Potential Water Contamination
When in use, wells are typically sealed, creating a barrier between the underground water supply and above-ground contaminants. When wells are abandoned, however, they eventually fall into disrepair and can allow surface contaminants to reach the aquifer. These contaminants can include:
- Fertilizer
- Herbicides and pesticides
- Oil and other chemicals
- Surface bacteria
- Animal waste
Once contaminants reach the aquifer, they can travel throughout the entire regional water supply. There is no surefire way to remove contaminants from underground, so the best course of action is to prevent their introduction in the first place.
Best Practices for Abandoning a Well
If you need to abandon a well or deal with an old well present on your property, call your local well contractor before taking any action. They will be well-versed in local rules and regulations, as well as industry best practices for proper well management.
Once they’re on the job, your well contractor will typically start by inspecting the well to determine the appropriate next steps. After that, they’ll begin the decommissioning process, which includes:
- Removing all above-ground elements (well pump, piping, etc.)
- Collecting and disposing of any surrounding debris
- Filling the well (the fill material to be determined by the nature and location of the well)
- Documenting and reporting the decommissioning of the well to local and state authorities
Dealing with an abandoned well is not a DIY project. It requires specialized skills, equipment, and knowledge, and should always be done by an experienced well contractor. Some regions may also require well contractors to hold certain licenses and permits for public and environmental safety.
If you need a well contractor to handle an abandoned well in Valatie or the surrounding region, call Goold Wells & Pumps today. We have over 90 years of experience in well drilling, well management, and well filling. We offer free estimates and are on-call for emergency service whenever you need us. Goold Wells & Pumps—trusted name since 1928.