Why should I properly abandon my well?

Unused water wells that are not properly abandoned leave open holes in the ground. These holes are dangerous. These holes serve as direct channels for contamination into the groundwater and allow contamination to pass straight through to a drinking water source. Contamination, such as chemicals and bacteria, may enter the well from the surface environment. These open holes in the ground may also have been used for trash and hazardous debris. The only way to eliminate dangerous conditions and groundwater contamination from unused wells is to properly abandon them.

How much will it cost to abandon my well?

Costs vary depending upon the well depth, diameter, location, and other factors. The cost for plugging a well in Northern Wisconsin usually ranges between $250 and $2000. Well depth and diameter, well type, and local geology require different types of plugging material and methods. Your costs may be reduced by having your old well plugged at the time a replacement well is drilled.