What to Do About Old, Unused Water Wells | Marquis Well & Pump

Learn about water well decommissioning In Maine

Water wells are essential for supplying clean, fresh groundwater to homes, farms, and businesses, especially in rural areas like much of Maine. However, when a well is no longer in use, it doesn’t just fade into irrelevance. In fact, abandoned wells can pose serious safety, environmental, and legal risks if left unchecked. Whether the well stopped being used due to a new municipal water connection, a replacement well, or changes in property use, proper management is essential.

This guide will walk you through why old wells can be dangerous, how Maine defines abandoned wells, your options as a property owner, and why professional well decommissioning is critical to protecting both your property and Maine’s groundwater.

Why Old Water Wells Can Be a Serious Problem

Old or unused wells can quietly create long-term issues that may not become obvious until significant damage has already occurred.

1. Contamination Risks

One of the most serious concerns with abandoned wells is groundwater contamination. A properly constructed and maintained well includes a sealed casing that prevents surface water from entering directly into the aquifer. Over time, however, unused wells can deteriorate.

Cracked casings, corroded metal pipes, or missing well caps can allow contaminants such as:

• Pesticides and herbicides
• Fertilizers and nitrates
• Animal waste and bacteria
• Oil, fuel, or chemical runoff

Once an aquifer is contaminated, cleanup is extremely difficult and costly. Worse yet, contamination from one abandoned well can spread and affect neighboring properties that rely on active wells.

2. Physical Hazards

Old wells also present a real physical danger. In some cases, the wellhead may be hidden by vegetation, leaves, or snow. Covers can rot, rust, or collapse over time, creating an open shaft.

Each year, people and animals are injured after falling into unsealed or poorly sealed wells. Even shallow wells can cause severe injuries, while deeper wells can be fatal.

From a liability standpoint, property owners may be held responsible for accidents that occur due to unsafe conditions on their land.

3. Legal and Property Sale Issues

In Maine, water wells - both active and inactive - are considered part of a property’s infrastructure. If you are selling or buying property, you are legally required to disclose the presence of known wells, including abandoned ones.

Improperly abandoned wells can:

• Delay real estate transactions
• Trigger lender or insurer concerns
• Require remediation before closing
• Reduce property value

In some cases, buyers may walk away entirely if they discover an unsealed or undocumented well. Addressing the issue proactively can save significant time, stress, and expense during a property transfer.

What Is Considered an Abandoned Well in Maine?

Maine has clear guidelines for what qualifies as an abandoned water well. According to the Maine CDC and the Maine Well Drillers Commission, a well is generally considered abandoned if it meets one or more of the following criteria:

• It has not been used for 1 year or more
  
• It is inoperable and unlikely to be repaired
  
• It poses a threat to health or safety
  
• It is no longer intended to be used in the future
  
  

Once a well meets any of these conditions, state regulations require that it be properly sealed by a licensed professional. These rules exist to prevent contamination, injuries, and environmental damage.

Ignoring an abandoned well is not only unsafe - it can also place you in violation of state regulations.

Your Options for Old or Unused Water Wells

If you suspect you have an unused or abandoned well on your property, you have several possible paths forward. The right choice depends on the well’s condition, location, and future use plans.

1. Well Evaluation

The first step is always to have a licensed Maine well driller, like Marquis Well & Pump, inspect the well. A professional evaluation can determine:

• The structural integrity of the well casing and components
  
• Whether the well is safe for reuse
  
• The depth, water yield, and water quality
  
• Any safety or environmental risks

This assessment helps determine whether rehabilitation is possible or if decommissioning is the best option.

2. Well Rehabilitation (If Reuse Is an Option)

Sometimes, an old well can be cleaned and restored to working condition. This may include:

• Removing obstructions or debris
  
• Disinfecting the well
  
• Replacing old casing or the pump system
  
• Conducting water testing and treatment
  
  

Rehabilitating a well can be cost-effective if the location is ideal and the water source remains viable.

3. Well Decommissioning (Sealing the Well)

If the well cannot or should not be used again, it needs to be properly decommissioned. This is not a DIY job. In Maine, only licensed well drillers are authorized to decommission wells.

The well sealing process generally includes:

• Removing the pump, piping, and any debris
  
• Disinfecting the well with chlorine or other approved agents
  
• Filling the well with bentonite clay, cement, or grout to ensure a watertight seal
  
• Recording and reporting the closure to the Maine Department of Health
  
  

Proper sealing prevents the well from acting as a conduit for pollution and eliminates hazards.

Maine Regulations You Should Know

Water well construction, maintenance, and abandonment are regulated by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Maine Well Drillers Commission. Key regulatory points include:

• All abandoned wells must be sealed by a licensed professional.
  
• Property owners are responsible for the safety and maintenance of wells on their land.
  
• Records of the well’s closure must be filed with the state.
  
• Illegal or improper sealing can result in fines and legal liability, especially if environmental contamination occurs.

Working with a licensed, experienced well contractor ensures that all state requirements are met and properly documented.

When Should You Take Action?

Don’t wait until something goes wrong. You should take immediate action if:

• The well hasn’t been used in over a year
  
• The cover is broken or missing
  
• You see signs of contamination (discoloration, odors, bacteria)
  
• You're planning to sell the property
  
• You’re unsure about the well’s status or condition

Early intervention can prevent accidents, protect groundwater, and avoid costly legal issues down the road.

Why Work With Marquis Well & Pump?

Located in Maine and serving residential and commercial clients, Marquis Well & Pump is licensed, insured, and experienced in well inspection, rehabilitation, sealing, and installation. We offer:

• Free consultations for unused or abandoned wells
  
• Thorough inspections and compliance with state regulations
  
• Professional decommissioning using industry best practices
  
• Expert knowledge of Maine’s soil, groundwater, and water quality issues

Our licensed and insured team has helped hundreds of property owners safeguard their water supply, improve property safety, and maintain regulatory compliance.

Protect Your Property and Maine’s Water Supply

Old, unused water wells may be out of sight, but they should never be out of mind. Whether a well can be rehabilitated or needs to be properly sealed, taking action protects your family, your property, and the groundwater resources that Maine depends on.

If you suspect you have an unused or abandoned well, contact us today. Our experienced professionals will guide you through the process and ensure your well is handled safely, responsibly, and in full compliance with state regulations.