If you have an abandoned well on your property, or decide that your well will no longer be used, you shouldn’t just leave it be. The well needs to be decommissioned, which means it requires a proper closure. Below, find a few of the most common questions people have about well abandoning to understand what you should expect in this situation. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Well Abandoning & Decommissioning

Why does an old well need to be closed?

Property owners are responsible for closing off their abandoned wells. They can be hazardous to people and animals if they unsuspectingly walk by and fall into the well. The well cap weakens over time, so if a person or animal crosses over it, they may become trapped. It can also contaminate the nearby water supply. The old well provides an easy route for contaminants to get down into the groundwater.

What does an abandoned well look like?

Wells can be located underneath houses in the basement, under porch steps, or near cisterns. If you can look up the history of your property, you may learn the location of an old well. You can also look for old well houses, concrete pits, pipes sticking out of the ground, or depressions in the ground.

How do I find a buried well?

If you know that your property has an old well, but you can’t find it, find the old water line exiting your building. Use a metal detector or a shovel to follow the line to the well. Older plumbing is usually buried around four to five feet underground.

How is decommissioning done?

A licensed drilling contractor must be the one to decommission the well. They will send a notice of intent to the Washington Department of Ecology. You’ll need to pay the small well abandoning fee. They will clear out the well, then fill it with an impermeable material such as concrete or bentonite chips, and then seal the top.

If you believe your property has an abandoned water well, leave the job to the team at Evergreen Well Drilling. This drilling team has two convenient locations in Bremerton and Shelton, WA. They have been decommissioning wells and taking on well abandoning cases for nearly 40 years. These professionals can install a pump or repair your current well if you need a replacement. They are fully licensed, insured, and bonded for your protection. Learn more information online and call (360) 830-9005 to request a no-obligation and free estimate.