Abandoned wells are pretty self-explanatory. The water in them is no longer being drawn to the surface, so the well has fallen out of use. In cases like this, the well needs to be properly sealed so that the water doesn’t rise to the surface on its own. This is called decommissioning a well!
Because there are so many unattended, abandoned wells in Washington, it is not unlikely that you happen upon one on your property. If you do, it’s important to follow the proper steps to have it decommissioned. Not only will this protect your property from damage, but it will also protect you from the high fines you could be facing if you leave the well alone.
Why Water Well Decommissioning is Important
There are actually quite a few reasons why you should decommission a well you don’t want to use. Not only can they can pollute your water supply, they can also pose a pretty serious danger to you and any people (or animals!) nearby! It just makes sense to properly take care of a giant hole in the ground before it causes any unnecessary problems.
We know it can sometimes be a hard decision to decommission a well, so if you’re looking for other options or just want more information about the process and well upkeep, feel free to browse our awesome resources on what it means to have a well! You can find helpful downloads and learn more about your well here.
Water Well Decommissioning in Washington
Here in Washington, it is actually illegal to have an abandoned well that has not been decommissioned. Even though it is an important task to take care of, you are also legally bound to have the decommissioning done by a professional. Don’t worry, though! Tacoma Pump & Drilling can take care of any abandoned wells you might have lurking on your property.
The first step towards decommissioning your well is getting a permit. All you have to do is contact your local health department. You should be able to find a website like this one that has the information you need! They will get you approved for a permit that suits your well depending on size and condition of the well.
Once approved for a permit, you can contact us for a consultation! Our highly-trained team of licensed well drillers will assess your well and decommission it for you in no time. To get started, you can call us, email us, or use our website to set up an appointment. We can’t wait to hear from you!