The Process of Decommissioning a Well

Water wells are an essential source of water for many communities and businesses. However, when a water well is no longer needed or has reached the end of its useful life, it must be decommissioned properly to protect the groundwater and the environment.

The process of decommissioning a water well can be complex and time-consuming, depending on the depth of the well, the type of well, and the local regulations. However, the general steps involved in decommissioning a water well are as follows:

1. Locate the well. The first step is to locate the wellhead. This may be a simple matter if the well is located in a visible area, such as a yard or field. However, if the well is located in a remote area or buried underground, it may be necessary to use a metal detector or other locating device.
2. Prepare the site. Once the wellhead has been located, the site must be prepared for decommissioning. This may involve removing any obstructions, such as trees or shrubs, and creating a workspace around the well.
3. Disconnect the well from the water supply. The next step is to disconnect the well from the water supply. This may involve shutting off the power to the well pump and disconnecting any pipes or hoses.
4. Remove the well casing. The well casing is the pipe that lines the well and prevents the collapse of the wellbore. To remove the well casing, a drilling rig is typically used. The drilling rig will drill through the casing and pull it out of the ground in sections.
5. Fill the wellbore. Once the well casing has been removed, the wellbore must be filled with a material that will prevent it from collapsing. The most common materials used for this purpose are bentonite clay, grout, or cement.
6. Seal the wellhead. The final step is to seal the wellhead. This is done by installing a concrete or metal cap over the wellhead and then sealing the cap with a sealant.

The decommissioning of a water well is a serious undertaking that should only be performed by a qualified professional. The process can be dangerous and requires specialized equipment and knowledge.

Here are some additional factors that can affect the cost of decommissioning a water well:

• The depth of the well
• The type of well
• The location of the well
• The local regulations

If you are considering decommissioning a water well, it is important to contact a qualified professional to get an estimate of the cost. Please contact JKA Well Drilling & Pumps at 360-794-7300 or email drilling@jkawelldrilling.com for more information.