Abandoning a Well

A well that is no longer used or maintained can become a direct pipeline for surface water or run-off to reach the aquifer. Unused and unmaintained wells threaten the groundwater that supplies your well, and possibly your neighbours' wells.

The Well Drilling Regulations require you to properly plug and seal abandoned wells. Do not try to seal your own well – it is not as easy as it seems. If you simply fill up your unused well with sand, gravel, stones, debris, or garbage, you will not prevent the flow of surface water or run-off into the well. The material in the unused well may even contribute to contamination of your groundwater source.

If you have a drilled well, hire a licensed well driller who has the expertise and equipment to do the job properly. Drilled groundwater wells can be filled with alternating layers of bentonite clay and sand or local soil. Contact your local Environmental Health Officer if you have a dug well. Dug wells can be filled in with clean, local soil and any exposed well liner should be removed.