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While Alabama’s many abandoned residential water wells may seem like nothing more than a relic of the past, they actually can present considerable public health risks. As such, the law requires all property owners to properly seal wells that have been abandoned. Providing complete water well maintenance services in Enterprise, AL, John D. Hughes Wells & Pumps explains why you shouldn’t leave this task on the back burner and what you can expect from the sealing process.

Why Is It Important to Seal Abandoned Wells?

When water well maintenance and service ceases, the drilled opening presents a direct connection to an aquifer. This opening makes it easy for waste—including fertilizer and other toxic chemicals—to bypass the normal filtration that soil provides. As a result, these pollutants can seep straight into groundwater. When groundwater becomes contaminated, a community’s health and the natural environment is put at stake.

Beyond potentially poisoning groundwater, unsealed wells also pose safety risks to those who might open and fall into the structure.

What Happens If Wells Remain Unsealed? 

water well maintenanceGiven the public health and safety consequences that unsealed structures present, local governments take proper decommissioning seriously. Should you not comply, you may face steep legal penalties. Additionally, if you attempt to sell your property in the future, your open well will raise a red flag to lenders and likely stop the purchase from going through.

What Does Sealing Require?

With the help of a trained water well maintenance crew, sealing is a fairly simple process. These licensed contractors possess the equipment and training necessary to meet the safety standards established by the state government.

First, your contractor will assess the well and clear out any water pumps and piping that may remain inside, along with any lingering contaminants. Once the structure is completely empty, a grout mixture is carefully pumped inside to completely fill all gaps. A cover is then installed over the top to completely block off access.

Waiting to seal your abandoned well can cost you, your community, and the environment. Fortunately, if you hire John D. Hughes Wells & Pumps for the job, you can keep your sealing costs down and gain peace of mind. Specializing in water well maintenance for more than 60 years, this team will use their expertise to carefully decommission the structure and use advanced equipment to thoroughly seal it. And while these licensed contractors of Enterprise, AL, are experts at closing these resources, they are also able to keep your supply flowing with their precision water well drilling services. You can learn more about their services online or call (334) 347-9757 to request a quote on your project.

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