Whether you’ve decided to install a new well system or found a long-forgotten one on your property, an unused water well can’t be left as is. Instead, a well drilling professional has to decommission it through a process known as abandonment or plugging. Here's a closer look at what you need to know.

4 FAQ About Well Abandonment

What's involved in the process? 

Plugging a well is a multi-step process. First, the well driller removes the equipment inside the casing, including the pumps and seals. This step removes obstructions and ensures that the filling materials can reach the bottom. 

Next, the main pipe is filled with sand until it reaches one foot below the water table. Then, a three-foot layer of grout is added, followed by another layer of sand, gravel, or a mixture of both. The top three feet of the casing are removed, and another grout layer is used to fill the remaining pipe and cap it off. After, the opening left behind is filled with soil. 

Why is it important?

Abandonment is key for protecting the area's groundwater. If the casing is left unfilled, it offers a direct pathway for contaminants to reach the water table. It also puts wildlife, farm animals, pets, and humans at risk of injury as a result of falling into the well. 

Plugging an unused water well is also a legal requirement in many states, including Nebraska. While the project is usually budget-friendly, the state's Natural Resources Commission has set up a Water Well Decommissioning Fund to help offset the costs for property owners. 

Who needs it?

The service is required for both commercial and residential water wells. It's necessary for all wells you plan to close and not use anymore, whether a new system is added to the same property or not. Old, long-forgotten wells — even if they existed before your ownership — also need this service. 

Are there any restrictions?

The state of Nebraska has a variety of regulations for abandonment. For commercial systems, the company or well drilling contractor must submit a written abandonment plan for approval.

Rules for residential systems are more lax. A notice of abandonment needs to be sent to the state and should include details regarding the location, owner, and procedure used. 

If you have a well to decommission, reach out to Earnest Well Drilling Inc. for assistance. Serving Seward County, NE, for over 100 years, the business has built a reputation for dependable and cost-effective workmanship. They’ll plug the old well on your property and drill a new one. Learn more about their well drilling and septic tank services online, or request a project estimate by calling (402) 761-2281.