Sealing Unused Public Drinking Water Wells
Approximately 70 percent of all Minnesotans rely on groundwater as their primary source of drinking water. Wells used for drinking water must be properly sealed when removed from service to protect both public health and Minnesota’s invaluable groundwater resources. The Minnesota Department of Health protects both public health and groundwater by assuring the proper sealing of unused wells.
Clean Water funds are being provided to well owners as a 50% cost-share assistance for sealing unused public water-supply wells.
Unused wells, sometimes called “abandoned” wells, can pose a serious threat to groundwater quality. Unused wells allow contaminants to travel deep into the ground, bypassing the natural protection usually provided by layers of clay, silt, and other geologic materials. Unused wells can also be a physical hazard for humans and animals. It’s estimated that there are hundreds of thousands of unsealed wells in Minnesota.
Grantees hire Minnesota licensed well contractors to seal their unseal, unused well(s). MDH staff inspect the wells for proper sealing.
$250,000 the first year and $250,000 the second year are for cost-share assistance to public and private well owners for up to 50 percent of the cost of sealing unused wells.
To seal 26 unused public water-supply wells in FY 2014.
Legacy and leveraged funds sealed 26 wells.
$250,000 the first year and $250,000 the second year are for cost-share assistance to public and private well owners for up to 50 percent of the cost of sealing unused wells.
To seal 23 unused public water-supply wells by June 30, 2016.
Twelve unused public wells sealed.
$113,000 the first year and $112,000 the second year are for cost-share assistance to public and private well
owners for up to 50 percent of the cost of sealing unused wells.
Nine unused public wells are proposed to be sealed by December 30, 2016.
Nine unused public wells sealed.
$250,000 the first year and $250,000 the second year are for cost-share assistance to public and private well owners for up to 50 percent of the cost of sealing unused wells.
Seventeen unused public wells are proposed to be sealed by October 31, 2018.
As of March 2, 2018, one unused well has been sealed.