WELL CAPPING/PLUGGING
In accordance with Texas legislation, landowners bear the responsibility for sealing abandoned wells on their property and assume liability for any ensuing groundwater contamination or injuries resulting from such wells.
Similar to other wells, an abandoned well serves as a direct conduit from the ground surface to the underlying aquifer. Contaminants infiltrating the well can swiftly reach the aquifer, posing potential threats to human health and the environment. This also increases the susceptibility of other wells within the same aquifer to contamination, especially those situated on the same property or in close proximity to the abandoned well.
Prior to commencing the abandoned well-plugging process, it is imperative to inform the local groundwater conservation district. Certain districts may impose restrictions regarding the well type and water depth, necessitating landowners to engage a licensed water well driller or pump installer for the proper sealing and plugging of the abandoned well.
Furthermore, it is mandatory to notify the Water Well Drillers Program of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, detailing your intention to plug the well and the chosen method. Additionally, a copy of the state well-plugging form must be forwarded to the local groundwater conservation district.
Plugging Abandoned Water Wells, by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service at abandonedwell.tamu.edu
Landowner’s Guide to Plugging Abandoned Water Wells, by the Texas Groundwater Protection Committee, at
The District provides free well capping or plugging on the homeowner’s behalf in wells that contain less than 100 feet of standing water.
Please contact the District office for more information or to schedule a well to be plugged or capped (254) 965-6705