There are certain property setups that cannot simply be left alone once they are no longer in use, and a great example here is a water well. Any water well that is no longer needed or is otherwise being decommissioned must undergo a specific process, and this process is typically referred to as water well abandonment. What exactly is water well abandonment, who typically needs it, and which important parts of this process should be carried out by water well professionals?
At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re proud to offer a huge range of water well services to clients around Utah, from water well drilling and water well pumps to comprehensive water well abandonment services. Here are some basics on what water well abandonment is and why it’s done, the kinds of people and parties who tend to require it, and the important steps that our professionals will take during water well abandonment to ensure safety, regulatory compliance and efficiency.
What is Water Well Abandonment?
For those unfamiliar, water well abandonment refers to the permanent closure of an existing water well. This process involves filling and sealing the well with appropriate materials in order to prevent any contamination or harm that could result from groundwater mixing with surface water.
There are several reasons why a water well may need to be abandoned:
- Hazard: If a well is deemed hazardous and poses a threat to public health or safety, it must be abandoned. There are a few reasons why a well may be considered hazardous, such as if it is located too close to a septic system or is at risk of collapsing.
- No longer in use: As mentioned above, any water well that is no longer needed must undergo abandonment. This could be due to various reasons, such as the property being sold and the new owner not needing a well.
- Waste or sewage: If a well has been contaminated by waste or sewage, it must be abandoned to prevent any further contamination.
- New regulations: In some cases, new regulations may require the abandonment of certain types of water wells that were previously deemed safe and functional.
Who Needs Water Well Abandonment?
Water well abandonment is typically required by property owners, but can also be mandated by governmental agencies or health departments. In certain cases, neighboring properties may also request that a water well be abandoned if it poses a risk to their own water sources.
So how is water well abandonment carried out? Our last few sections in this blog will go over the most important steps.
Removing Obstructions
Generally speaking, the first major step in water well abandonment is to remove any obstructions from the well. This could include debris, pumps or pipes that may hinder the process.
Why is this important to do first? Well, because it will be much easier to identify any potential issues with the well and properly seal it if there are no obstructions in the way. Furthermore, decommissioned wells often contain hazards like rusted pipes or electrical equipment that could pose a danger to workers.
The obstruction removal process is one that can vary somewhat heavily in terms of timing. Some wells may only require a few hours to clear, while others may take several days depending on the complexity of the well and the amount of debris present.
Filling and Sealing
The final and most important step in water well abandonment is filling and sealing the well. This is done by pouring special grout or concrete into the well, which will then harden and effectively seal the well.
It’s crucial that this step is carried out properly in order to prevent any future contamination. Different types of wells may require different materials for filling and sealing, so it’s important to consult with a professional to determine the best approach for your specific situation.
Regulatory and Environmental Considerations
One important overarching consideration for water well abandonment is ensuring that all regulatory and environmental requirements are met. Depending on where you live, there may be specific regulations or guidelines that must be followed during the abandonment process.
At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, our experienced professionals have a deep understanding of local regulations and can ensure that all necessary steps are taken to comply with them during water well abandonment. We take our responsibility to protect public health and safety very seriously and will work diligently to meet all regulatory requirements.
With the right professionals, water well abandonment can typically be completed within a few days. However, it’s important to note that the timeline may vary depending on the size and complexity of the well.
Water well abandonment is an essential process for decommissioning any unused or contaminated wells. Whether required by regulations or for safety reasons, it’s crucial to have this done properly in order to protect both public health and the environment. At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, our team of experts has extensive experience in water well abandonment and can ensure that your well is properly sealed and in compliance with all regulations. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a consultation about this or any of our water well services for clients around Utah!
