When a well is abandoned, it provides a direct route for contaminants to enter the ground water below. This doesn’t only impact the property the well is located on. Neighboring water supplies can also become contaminated, says Fogle Pump & Supply. This makes abandoned wells a major health risk, especially in Washington, where they’re not uncommon. Here, this Colville water well drilling company goes into detail on what well abandonment is and what to do when you need to decommission one.

When it’s not attended to properly, an abandoned well poses a threat to the environment and local water systems. If it’s not promptly plugged, the owner can be held liable for any issues that result. Signs of an abandoned well can often be spotted through a property survey. Check out the ground for depressions or pipes sticking out. A well could also be located in the basement, under the porch steps, or near major structures like windmills or barns.  

When you are preparing to decommission a well, you will need to know who it is registered to. According to the Department of Environmental Quality, only the owner or a registered water well drilling contractor has the authorization to plug a well. If you’re unsure of who previously owned the one on your property, contact the Department of Ecology. They keep a record of all registered logs in Washington, as well as permit fees for abandonment.

You will then need a licensed company to legally decommission the well. They can guide you through the abandonment process, including county authorities and required permits. Decommission costs vary depending on the depth and diameter of the well, as well as the local geology.  

For more information on well abandonment, speak with the water well drilling experts at Fogle Pump & Supply. This company has been providing expert solutions for residential and commercial water systems for more than 36 years. Learn more online or by giving them a call today at (509) 684-2569.