ABANDONED WELLS

Unused wells are a safety hazard. They allow bacteria, fertilizer, pesticides, and sediment to enter the well through deteriorated well caps or casings. These contaminates will then go down the well and contaminate the groundwater in the aquifer below. There is also a risk that children and animals may fall down into the well.

Signs of an abandoned well:
Pipes sticking out of the ground or your basement floor
Concrete slabs or manhole covers
1-3 foot ring of rocks, bricks, or concrete
Shallow depression in yard
Windmill or hand pumps
City water installed after the house was built

How to properly abandon a well:
Use bentonite clay or neat cement
Contact a licensed well driller

For more information on well abandonment contact:

Kalamazoo County Environmental Health
3299 Gull Rd.
Nazareth, MI 49074
(269) 373-5210
Contact: Groundwater Specialist

Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality
Drinking Water and Radiological Protection
525 W. Allegan St.
P.O. Box 30630
Lansing, MI 48909
(269) 335-9322
Contact: Division Chief

Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program offers cost-share money for closure of rural farm and residential wells.

Kalamazoo Conservation District
1911 W. Centre Ave.
Portage, MI 49024
(269) 327-1258
Contact: Groundwater Technician

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