What is it?

Well plugging should be considered for any decommissioned well on agricultural, residential, or urban properties. Once a well is no longer used, it can serve as a direct passage for chemicals, nutrients, trash, or other substances to enter ground water supplies. Plugging the well will eliminate or reduce the likelihood that these pollutants will contaminate ground water.

Conservation Benefits

• Prevents contamination of ground water by pollutants, sediment, trash, or other debris

What does it include?

The most effective means to plug a well is to fill it with concrete (or another material as determined by a technical expert). This will almost completely block access for pollutants to enter ground water supplies through the well opening. Decommissioned wells should be clearly marked for future inspections. Wells can also be capped after decommissioning. Capping involves securing a permanent topper on the well opening. While this method is beneficial for keeping out larger debris from the well, nutrients and chemicals can still enter the ground water through the direct connection the well provides.