Often, these wells are deteriorating and no longer used, but the well shaft still is a direct connection from the ground surface to the underlying aquifer. This can allow surface runoff to flow directly to the water-bearing zones, often carrying organic wastes, fertilizers and other chemical residues, such as pesticides and petroleum products, into the groundwater.
In addition, small animals can fall into these wells, further adding to the contamination. Contaminants that enter an old, out-of-service well can migrate to in-service water supplies, such as a new well on the property. Once groundwater is contaminated, it is difficult, if not impossible, to clean up and the process always is expensive.
Unused wells, especially those that are old and/or in disrepair or that do not meet current standards as an active well, pose a major threat to groundwater quality and represent a serious threat to human health and safety. State law refers to these as illegal wells.
There are thousands of these wells on farmsteads, many on acreages and in other rural areas throughout the state. Often, when a new well drilled, the property owner neglects to properly decommission any old well or wells on the property.
While a windmill tower can be a sure sign, wells can be present at many other locations too. Rural property owners should observe carefully for any signs that wells may exist. Some signs include concrete pads where the legs of a windmill tower once stood; depressions where an old well pit or the walls of a dug well may have collapsed; an old stock watering tank in an over-grown area; a small area that is fenced off, especially if there also are pipes sticking out of the ground; flat stones, a concrete slab, old boards, metal sheets or other items that could be covering an old well shaft; and many others. Unfortunately, sometimes there are no signs.
Nebraska regulations require that illegal wells be decommissioned by a licensed Nebraska well contractor. This process includes removal of well equipment, such as pump and piping, disinfection, sealing, filling, capping and reporting. The cost of decommissioning a well depends on several factors, including accessibility, construction technique and materials, diameter, depth and condition. Generally, this is not particularly expensive.
Because of the importance of protecting water quality, nearly every Natural Resources District, or NRD, offers an attractive incentive to assist well owners with decommissioning costs. Payment rates vary by NRD, but typically these programs will pay for 60-75 percent of the costs. Thus, out-of-pocket expense to the well owner often will be less than $100 – a small price to pay to help assure that water quality and human safety are protected.
To apply for well decommissioning cost-share assistance, well owners must first contact the appropriate NRD for an information and applications packet that gives program guidelines, forms and instructions. No cost-share payments can be made unless all procedures are followed.
If there is an unused well, begin the decommissioning process today and help protect groundwater quality and human health and safety.
Ann Fenton
Extension Educator, Pierce County
