County Well Abandonment Program

The County Well Abandonment Program is an initiative to properly seal unused/abandoned wells. Uncapped wells are a direct conduit to groundwater, not only through the pipe itself, but alongside the casing as well. Many foreign materials have found their way down unused wells including drain oil, rodents, pesticides, fertilizers, sewage, barnyard runoff, and various other chemicals harmful to groundwater and human health. There is the potential for landowners to be found liable for damages to groundwater whether intentional or not.

A limited amount of funding is available annually to cost-share properly abandoning unused wells in the county. Landowners can receive up to 70% cost share funding to properly abanon wells on their property. Information and abandonment registration forms are available at the Land & Water Conservation office.