An abandoned well is any well that has served its usefulness and is no longer needed. These wells have been ignored and even forgotten over several years and have recently become a very big issue. Abandoned wells when not properly sealed are a direct link for contamination to our groundwater. Not only does an abandoned well pose a threat to groundwater but they also pose a safety hazard for humans and animals.
Well Decommissioning
With the concerns for our groundwater, many state and local agencies are taking an active role in properly plugging these wells. The Upper Loup NRD provides a cost share assistance program for the proper plugging of abandoned wells. This program provides cost share assistance for the proper plugging of abandoned wells by a licensed well driller or a licensed pump installer according to Title 178, Chapter 12 of the Department of Health regulations governing water well abandonment standards.
The ULNRD will pay 75% cost share of approved well abandonment costs, with the maximum of $150 for a domestic or livestock well and $400 for an irrigation or municipal well. Applications can be obtained through the well driller, by phone request to our office, by stopping at the Thedford office or online through the following link: