Well Abandonment: How to Properly Seal an Unused Well

Why Proper Abandonment Matters

Groundwater Protection

• Open wells are direct conduits to aquifer
• Surface contamination can reach groundwater
• Affects your neighbors' water too
• Contamination can spread for miles

Safety Hazards

• Drowning risk for children and animals
• Fall hazard if cover deteriorates
• Liability exposure for property owner

Legal Requirements

• State and local regulations require proper abandonment
• Fines for non-compliance
• May affect property sale
• Potential liability for contamination

When Abandonment Is Required

Situations Requiring Abandonment

• Well no longer in use
• Replacing with new well
• Connecting to municipal water
• Property development over well site
• Well is contaminated beyond treatment
• Well is structurally compromised

Alternatives to Abandonment

• Keep for irrigation: May not need abandonment
• Secondary supply: Some keep as backup
• Future use: Must maintain in safe condition

If Keeping an Unused Well

• Must be properly capped and secured
• May need permit as "inactive" well
• Still your responsibility to maintain

The Abandonment Process

Step 1: Obtain Permit

• Contact county environmental health
• Submit abandonment application
• Pay permit fee ($50-$200)
• May need well location documentation

Step 2: Remove Equipment

• Pull pump and drop pipe
• Remove pitless adapter or seal
• Remove any other downhole equipment
• Document what's removed

Step 3: Fill the Well

• Method varies by well type:
• Deep wells: Grout/cement from bottom up
• Shallow wells: May use bentonite or cement
• Must seal any aquifer zones
• Fill entire well to surface

Step 4: Surface Seal

• Cut casing below grade (usually 2-3 feet)
• Cap with concrete or weld steel plate
• Backfill to grade
• Leave surface usable

Step 5: Documentation

• File completion report with county
• Keep records for property file
• May need to disclose in property sale

Permits & Regulations

Who Requires Permits

• County environmental health department
• State water resources agency
• Local water district (some areas)

Permit Requirements

• Licensed contractor (C-57 in California)
• Approved abandonment plan
• Proper materials and methods
• Completion report filed

In San Diego County

• Contact County DEH (Environmental Health)
• Permit required before work
• Must use licensed well contractor
• Completion report due within 30 days

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Fines up to several thousand dollars
• Required remediation at owner's expense
• Potential liability for contamination
• Issues with property sale

Costs

Typical Abandonment Costs

Additional Costs

• Permit: $50-$200
• Equipment removal: Usually included
• Site restoration: $100-$500

Factors Affecting Cost

• Well depth
• Casing diameter
• Accessibility
• Presence of pump to remove
• Number of aquifer zones
• Local material costs

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to abandon a well?

$500-$3,000+ depending on depth and complexity. Shallow wells under 100' are typically $500-$1,500.

Is it illegal to have an abandoned well?

Improperly abandoned wells are illegal. You must either properly seal the well or maintain it in safe condition per regulations.

Can I abandon a well myself?

In most areas, no. California and most states require a licensed contractor (C-57) for well abandonment.

How do I find out if there's an old well on my property?

Check county well permit records, look for old pipes or concrete pads, ask previous owners, or hire a well locator.

What if I want to keep the well for irrigation?

You may be able to keep it as a non-potable supply. Check local requirements—may need permit and proper separation from potable supply.

Do I have to disclose an abandoned well when selling property?

Yes, in most states abandoned wells must be disclosed. Keep records of proper abandonment for future sale.