Why Well Abandonment Matters
Unused wells are more than eyesores—they're environmental hazards and legal liabilities. An improperly abandoned well creates a direct pathway for surface contaminants (pesticides, fertilizers, bacteria, chemicals) to reach groundwater aquifers that supply drinking water to thousands of people.
California law mandates proper abandonment of unused wells under Bulletin 74-81 and 74-90. This isn't optional. Property owners can face fines, be held liable for contamination, and encounter serious problems when selling property with an improperly abandoned well.
⚠️ Legal Requirement
California requires all unused wells to be properly abandoned by a licensed C-57 contractor. DIY abandonment is illegal. Failing to properly seal a well can result in fines and liability for any resulting groundwater contamination.
When Should a Well Be Abandoned?
🏠 Connected to City Water
Property has connected to municipal water supply and the well is no longer needed or permitted for use.
❌ No Future Use Planned
The well hasn't been used in years and there's no intention to bring it back into service.
☠️ Contaminated Well
Water quality testing shows contamination that cannot be remediated cost-effectively.
💔 Structural Failure
Casing has collapsed, corroded through, or otherwise failed beyond economical repair.
🏗️ Construction/Development
New construction project requires well removal or the well interferes with planned improvements.
🏷️ Selling Property
Real estate transactions often require abandoning unused wells before sale closes.
Risks of Improper Well Abandonment
Simply capping a well or filling it with dirt doesn't meet legal requirements and creates serious risks:
Groundwater Contamination
Unsealed wells allow surface pollutants to flow directly into aquifers. This can contaminate drinking water for entire neighborhoods.
Safety Hazards
Open or poorly covered wells pose drowning and fall risks, especially for children and animals. Old well covers can deteriorate and collapse.
Legal Liability
Property owners are liable for injuries and contamination from improperly abandoned wells on their property—even if they didn't create the well.
Property Sale Problems
Title searches reveal well permits. Buyers and lenders often require proper abandonment documentation before transactions can close.
Fines & Enforcement
Counties can issue notices of violation and fines for wells not properly abandoned. Cleanup costs for contamination can reach hundreds of thousands.
Well Abandonment Process
1. Site Assessment
We locate the well, determine its depth and diameter, identify casing type and condition, and check for obstructions. This information is needed for permit application and planning.
2. Permit Application
We submit an abandonment permit application to San Diego County Department of Environmental Health. This includes well information, sealing plan, and contractor license documentation. Permits typically take 1-2 weeks.
3. Equipment Removal
We remove the pump, drop pipe, wiring, and any other equipment from the well. This must be done before sealing. Equipment can often be salvaged or recycled.
4. Well Preparation
We remove obstructions, debris, and sediment that could prevent proper sealing. A video inspection may be performed to verify well condition and confirm clear passage.
5. Sealing
We fill the well from bottom to top with approved sealing materials—typically neat cement grout or high-solids bentonite. Sealing is done in stages with time for material to set, ensuring complete and continuous seal.
6. Casing Removal
The well casing is cut off at least 2-5 feet below ground surface (per county requirements). This prevents future trip hazards and allows normal landscaping over the site.
7. Inspection & Documentation
County inspector verifies proper abandonment. We submit completion documentation and obtain final permit sign-off. You receive documentation for your records and future property transactions.
Well Abandonment Costs
Abandonment costs depend on well depth, diameter, and accessibility:
| Well Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Shallow well (under 100 feet) | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Standard residential (100-300 feet) | $2,500 - $4,500 |
| Deep residential (300-500 feet) | $4,000 - $6,000 |
| Large diameter/agricultural | $5,000 - $8,000+ |
| Permit fees (county) | $200 - $500 |
Costs include all labor, materials (cement grout), permit fees, and documentation. Complex situations (collapsed casing, obstructions, difficult access) may require additional work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does well abandonment cost?
Well abandonment in San Diego County typically costs $1,500 to $8,000 depending on well depth, diameter, and condition. Shallow wells under 100 feet cost $1,500-$3,000. Standard residential wells (100-400 feet) run $2,500-$5,000. Deep or large-diameter agricultural wells may cost $5,000-$8,000+. Costs include permit fees ($200-$500), pump removal, sealing materials, and labor.
Is well abandonment required by law in California?
Yes, California law requires proper abandonment of unused wells. California Well Standards (Bulletin 74-81 and 74-90) mandate that abandoned wells be destroyed to prevent groundwater contamination and safety hazards. Counties enforce these requirements through permits and inspections. Failure to properly abandon wells can result in fines, liability for contamination, and problems selling property.
When should a well be abandoned?
Wells should be abandoned when: no longer in use and not planned for future use, the property has connected to municipal water, the well is contaminated beyond remediation, casing has failed and repair isn't cost-effective, the well is a safety hazard (uncapped or poorly secured), or selling property with an unused well. Abandoned wells left untreated can contaminate aquifers and pose safety risks.
What is the well abandonment process?
The process involves: 1) Obtaining an abandonment permit from the county, 2) Removing the pump and all equipment, 3) Removing obstructions and debris from the well, 4) Filling the well with approved sealing materials (typically neat cement grout or bentonite), 5) Sealing from bottom to top in stages, 6) Cutting the casing below grade, 7) County inspection and permit closure. The entire process takes 1-2 days.
Can I abandon a well myself?
No, California requires that well abandonment be performed by a licensed C-57 well drilling contractor. This ensures proper sealing materials and techniques are used, protecting groundwater from contamination. DIY abandonment is illegal and can result in fines. Additionally, improper abandonment creates liability—if contamination occurs, the property owner is responsible.
Related Services
Well Video Inspection
Camera inspection to assess well condition before abandonment.
New Well Drilling
If your old well needs abandonment, we can drill a new one.
Well Rehabilitation
Before abandoning, consider if rehabilitation can restore the well.
Well Service
Full-service well maintenance and repair.
Need to Abandon an Unused Well?
Protect your property and groundwater with proper well abandonment. We handle everything from permits to final inspection. Get a quote today.