Plugging an abandoned well
The Minnesota Department of Health warns that an unused well that is not properly sealed gives contaminants a direct pathway into groundwater.
Why unused wells must be plugged
Minnesota health officials say every unsealed unused well is a safety, health and environmental threat, and children and small animals can fall into open wells.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources says abandoned wells are a physical hazard and a direct channel for surface contamination to reach aquifers.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension notes that under Texas law the landowner must plug abandoned wells and is liable for contamination or injury from an unplugged well.
In Texas, a well is considered abandoned if it has not been used for 6 consecutive months, unless its equipment is in good condition or it is capped.
Tennessee requires wells taken out of service to be closed by a licensed water well driller to state standards.
EPA advises hiring a certified well driller for new well construction, changes, or abandonment and closure.
Sources: Direct path to groundwater; Safety and legal risk; Missouri: direct channel for contamination; Texas: landowner is liable; Tennessee: licensed driller closes wells; EPA: hire a certified driller
What plugging costs, and help paying for it
Published plugging prices and the cost-share programs some groundwater districts run for landowners. Each links to where it was published; check that a program is still funded before you count on it.
| Who | Where | What | Price | Date on the page | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DFW Well Service | Gainesville, TX | well plugging | $1,500 to $3,500 | date not shown | dfwwellservice.com |
| Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District | Bryan, TX | well plugging | $1000 | date not shown | brazosvalleygcd.org |
| Pecan Valley Groundwater Conservation District | Cuero, TX | well plugging | $400 | date not shown | pvgcd.org |
| Brush Country Groundwater Conservation District | Falfurrias, TX | well plugging | $1,725 | 2023 GCD Index data | tgpc.texas.gov |
| Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District | Milano, TX | well plugging | $2,500 | 2023 GCD Index data | tgpc.texas.gov |
| Duval County Groundwater Conservation District | San Diego, TX | well plugging | $1,500.00 | 2023 GCD Index data | tgpc.texas.gov |
| Mid-East Texas Groundwater Conservation District | Madisonville, TX | well plugging | $500.00 | 2023 GCD Index data | tgpc.texas.gov |
| Colorado County Groundwater Conservation District | Columbus, TX | well plugging | $300.00 | 2023 GCD Index data | tgpc.texas.gov |
Common questions
Why does an old well need to be plugged?
The Minnesota Department of Health warns that an unused well that is not properly sealed gives contaminants a direct pathway into groundwater.