Introduction
Abandoned or unused home wells can be a potential source of danger to the people around it and the environment. Under such circumstances, it is often recommended that they be sealed properly to prevent any unfortunate accidents and contamination. The sealing process will require that the well be cleared of debris and refilled with a special material called grout.
Step 1
The Threat Unfilled Wells Pose on Ground Water
The damage posed by unfilled home wells is not limited to living creatures, but also the environment that surrounds it. Groundwater occurs naturally in underground geologic formations, known as aquifers. The layers of soil and rock between an aquifer and the surface will act as a barrier to protect it from contamination. An unfilled well creates the opportunity for contamination, through exposure to the surface. It may also threaten the quality of water in your neighbor’s well or city water wells. Unfilled home wells may also be decommissioned if it no longer provides enough water, it is damaged/decayed beyond repair, or if it has changed its purpose from agricultural to industrial or residential property.
Step 2
The Law on Unused Wells
There are certain rules and regulations which govern unused home wells. The law stipulates that a well should be filled if the well is not in use, is contaminated, has been improperly sealed, threatens the quality of ground water, or poses a threat to the health and safety of people around it. If you would like to hold on to your well, then you are required to apply for a maintenance permit with your state and the well should be able to meet minimum sanitary requirements. You will be charged an annual fee for the permit.
Step 3
How to establish if you have an Unused Well on Your Property
Whether you live in a town or the countryside, you property could potentially have one or more one unfilled home wells. To find out if your property has any old wells on it, you should take any of the measures below:
Find out the date when your home was built and when public water was first available in your vicinity. If the house was built before public water became available, then you are likely to find a well of your land.
Step 4
Search for physical evidence of unfilled home wells on your land, such as pipes, well casings, or a water pump. It could also have been hidden in a small building of your land, often in the basement
Step 5
Consult the former owners of the property or individuals who have lived in that area for a long time and can recollect of any unfilled home wells.
Tips
How Are They Sealed?
According to state laws, the sealing of unfilled home wells should be done by a licensed contractor. This is because the have the equipment and necessary knowledge to get the job done right. The contractor will first clear all debris and any other obstructions from the well, then pump a mixture of grout into the well.
Sources and Citations
Once they are done, they will submit a copy of a boring and sealing record to the relevant state agency and provide you with a copy as well, which should act as proof that the well has been professional sealed.
