What to Do About Old, Unused Water Wells

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.

Why Old Water Wells Can Be a Serious Problem

1. Contamination Risks

Old wells can provide a direct pathway for surface contaminants—like pesticides, fertilizers, or animal waste—to reach the groundwater. Cracked casings or open wellheads allow pollutants to bypass the natural filtration that normally protects aquifers.

2. Physical Hazards

Uncovered or improperly sealed wells are a fall hazard for people and animals. Every year, accidents occur when someone unwittingly steps on an old, weakened well cover or falls into an overgrown shaft.

3. Legal and Property Sale Issues

If you’re selling or buying property in Maine, disclosing the presence of any known wells—whether active or abandoned—is required. Improperly abandoned wells can delay real estate transactions or even cause deals to fall through.

4. Loss of Groundwater Integrity

Inactive wells that aren't properly sealed can compromise the groundwater supply for nearby working wells. Bacteria and chemicals can enter aquifers and impact water quality for years.

What Is Considered an Abandoned Well in Maine?

In Maine, a well is typically 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
  
  

According to the Maine CDC and the Maine Well Drillers Commission, all abandoned wells must be properly sealed to prevent contamination and injury.

Your Options for Old or Unused Water Wells

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
  
  

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

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Maine Well Drillers Commission both enforce regulations around well construction and abandonment.

Key Points:

• 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.
  
  

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
  
  

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.

What 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 team has helped hundreds of homeowners protect their property and their water supply by safely managing unused wells.