Well Abandonment & Destruction Services

Have an old, unused, or failing well that needs to be properly closed? California law requires that abandoned wells be destroyed according to specific standards to protect groundwater quality. Southern California Well Service provides professional well abandonment services throughout San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties.

Need to Abandon a Well?

Get a quote for proper well destruction that meets all county requirements.

(760) 463-0493

Why Proper Well Abandonment Matters

An improperly abandoned well is more than just an eyesore—it's a liability and an environmental hazard:

Groundwater contamination: Open or poorly sealed wells allow surface water, pollutants, and contaminants to reach aquifers
Safety hazard: Old wells can collapse, creating dangerous sinkholes
Legal liability: Property owners can be held responsible for contamination from neglected wells
Property sale issues: Undisclosed or improperly closed wells complicate real estate transactions
Regulatory requirements: California and local counties require proper destruction of abandoned wells

When Well Abandonment Is Required

Well no longer in use: If you've connected to municipal water and the well sits unused
Failed or dry wells: Wells that can't be rehabilitated economically
Property development: Wells that would be too close to new structures or septic systems
Real estate transactions: Sellers often must disclose and properly abandon unused wells
County requirements: Some counties mandate destruction of wells unused for certain periods

The Well Destruction Process

Proper well abandonment follows state and county regulations:

1. Permitting

We obtain the required well destruction permit from your county's Environmental Health or Water Authority. This ensures the work will be inspected and documented.

2. Well Assessment

We determine the well's depth, diameter, casing material, and construction details. This information guides the destruction method.

3. Equipment Removal

All pumps, piping, wiring, and debris are removed from the well.

4. Sealing the Well

The well is filled with approved sealing materials, typically:

Cement grout: Neat cement slurry pumped from bottom to top
Bentonite: Clay-based sealant for certain applications
Concrete: For the upper portion and surface seal

The sealing method depends on well depth, geology, and county requirements.

5. Surface Completion

The wellhead is removed, and the surface is sealed with concrete extending below frost line. The area is restored to grade.

6. Documentation

We file the required completion report with the county, providing permanent documentation that the well was properly destroyed.

Well Abandonment Cost

Well destruction costs vary based on well characteristics:

Shallow wells (under 100 ft): $1,500-$3,000
Medium wells (100-300 ft): $2,500-$5,000
Deep wells (300+ ft): $4,000-$8,000+

Factors affecting cost include depth, diameter, casing condition, accessibility, and permit fees.

What About Keeping an Old Well?

Not every unused well needs destruction. Options may include:

Converting to monitoring well: Useful for tracking groundwater levels
Irrigation standby: Keep permitted for backup or landscape use
Rehabilitation: Restore production if the well is viable

We can assess your well and discuss whether preservation makes sense for your situation.

Get a Quote

We'll evaluate your well and provide a detailed quote for proper abandonment.