| Proper Well Abandonment is essential to protect the groundwater, the Bureau requires proper abandonment of wells taken out of service. Information on this procedure can be obtained from the Bureau or a licensed well driller. |
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| What is an abandoned well ? |
| Wells that are no longer in use or that are in such disrepair that they do not yield groundwater are called "abandoned wells." Wells that are contaminated and will no longer be utilized are also classified as abandoned wells. |
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| Hazards from Abandoned wells and cisterns |
| Unsealed abandoned wells are routs for groundwater contamination. Runoff water carrying bacteria, sediment, fertilizer, pesticides and other chemicals may flow directly into the groundwater. The direct flow bypasses the natural filtering and degradation processes that take place when runoff infiltrates the soil. |
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| Information from DEQ on Well Abandonment |
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| For more information contact he_haun@ingham.org |