If you have an abandoned well on your property, it poses a severe safety risk to humans as well as the environment. Sullivan Water Wells is Chugiak, AK’s leading water well company, and they know firsthand just how dangerous abandoned wells can be. As part of their commitment to keeping well owners safe, they offer you information on the importance of well decommissioning and why this is such critical water well maintenance task—even though the well is no longer operational.

The Significance of Abandonment & Decommissioning as Water Well Maintenance Tasks

Human Safety

Abandoned wells are often uncovered holes, obscured by grass or detritus that can make them difficult to spot. As a result, these abandoned wells pose a falling hazard to humans and animals. As the property owner, you are responsible for injuries or damage caused by an abandoned well. Decommissioning the well by plugging is the most reliable way to seal the well and prevent injury. 

Environmental Protection

While falling is the most apparent threat an abandoned well poses, there is a much more significant and unseen threat. Anything that falls into the well can potentially contaminate the groundwater that your community relies upon. Rainwater runoff could carry lawn care chemicals down the well, or small animals that have fallen and began to decompose could contaminate the water. Sealing the well using a plugging material will prevent inadvertent contamination of the well and surrounding groundwater.

As a property owner, taking steps to secure an abandoned well is essential to human safety and to preserving the environment. If you are looking to decommission a well or need water well maintenance or installation, turn to Sullivan Bill & Cole Water Wells. This company has over 40 years of experience providing Alaskans with high-performance water well systems. Dedicated to giving you the best water well maintenance service, honest and fair pricing, and unparalleled customer support, this is the go-to company for all your water well needs. Call them at (907) 688-2759, and learn more about their work by visiting them online.