What should be done with an unused well?

Sealing and abandoning an unused well is essential for several reasons. Firstly, an open or improperly maintained well poses a significant risk of contamination to the groundwater supply. If left open, it can allow surface pollutants, such as chemicals, debris, and pathogens, to enter the aquifer, potentially threatening both public health and the environment.

Additionally, a properly sealed well prevents unwanted access to the well structure, which can be a safety hazard, especially in rural or remote areas. By sealing it appropriately, you minimize risks to people, animals, and equipment that could inadvertently fall into a well that is not secured.

Moreover, proper abandonment follows regulations that may be specific to certain locations and aims at protecting water quality for future generations. It involves careful procedures that ensure the well is filled and sealed to the standards set by state or local health departments, ensuring that the well does not become a conduit for pollution.

In contrast, leaving the well open for future use does not take into account the potential hazards and contamination risks associated with it. Monitoring for water quality might be beneficial for active wells, but it does not address the fundamental issue of safety and pollution prevention in an unused well. Lastly, converting it into a storage facility would likely not meet regulatory requirements and could pose