Water wells are valuable assets, but eventually, you may find you need to shut one down. An unused well can trap or injure people and animals and provides direct access to the local groundwater, creating a risk of contamination. Whether you've found a forgotten well on your property or can't keep up with your well maintenance and need another option, don’t leave it open. Instead, go through the appropriate well abandoning process.

Steps to Abandon Your Well

1. Identify Your Needs

If you aren't sure which well you have, find and inspect it. Hand-dug and bored wells are typically three feet across, while drilled wells protrude about six inches from the ground. If it’s not easily accessible, do what you can to clear the area.

2. Hire a Professional

In Washington, the law requires that the well abandoning process is completed by a professional drilling company. Check out your local providers to find one you trust.

3. Do the Paperwork

Washington state requires you to submit a form expressing your intent to close a well. Check with the company you hire to determine whether you or they are responsible for completing this paperwork.

4. Disinfect the Site

Before the well is abandoned, it should be thoroughly disinfected. This will help ensure it doesn't continue to leak bacteria into surrounding water sources. Your well company will chemically treat the site to kill off bacteria.

5. Fill the Shaft

To seal the well, it must be filled in up to ground level. This can be done with cement, grout, dry clay, sand, or gravel, depending on the needs of the individual site. Once the shaft is filled, you've officially abandoned the well.

With professional help, you can permanently seal any problematic wells on your property, removing them as safety hazards and preventing water contamination. Start making calls today to find the right contractor for the job.

Coolwater Drilling in Shelton and Bremerton, WA, offers well abandoning, drilling, and maintenance services throughout the area. Their experienced teams have served Kitsap and Mason counties for nearly 40 years. To schedule service, call the Shelton location at (360) 426-3545 or the Bremerton location at (360) 830-9005. Visit them online for more information on their well solutions, including ditching and site construction.