AUSTIN – As Texans embark on wildflower hikes, they’re urged to watch their step as they walk through the fields – there could be abandoned or deteriorated water wells and cisterns under foot.
Thousands of abandoned or deteriorated water wells and cisterns pose safety hazards and can contaminate groundwater by providing a direct conduit for chemicals and other surface contaminants, such as animal waste and pesticides, to directly enter aquifers and through them, into the drinking water supply. Uncapped wells and cisterns also present a physical danger to humans and animals who can be severely injured or killed when they fall partially or completely into the well.
Landowners who aren’t sure if they have abandoned water wells or cisterns on their property should look for plastic, steel, brick or concrete casing (pipe) that may extend above ground, or for a hole in the ground with no apparent bottom. Some abandoned wells have concrete or brick casing extending above ground or a windmill with missing blades. Abandoned or deteriorated well casings or pipes may be cut off at ground level, posing an additional threat.
- Wells are “abandoned” when they are not in use, as defined by Texas Occupations Code, Section 1901.255.
- A “deteriorated” well is a well that is causing or likely to cause pollution of any water in the state, including groundwater.
Under Section 1901.255 of the Occupations Code, abandoned or deteriorated wells must be plugged or brought into compliance within 180 days of a landowner learning that they have an abandoned or deteriorated well on their property.
Landowners are responsible for abandoned or deteriorated water wells on their property. If a well needs to be plugged, they may plug the well themselves (in compliance with Title 16, Texas Administrative Code, Section (76.104 Capping and Plugging Wells Standards) or hire a well driller or pump installer licensed by TDLR to plug the well or bring the well into compliance.
If a landowner chooses to plug the well themselves, they are required to plug the well in accordance with TDLR’s well plugging specifications (https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/wwd/wwdspecs.htm) and submit a State of Texas Plugging Report to TDLR within 30 days from the date the well was plugged.
To avoid problems in the future, landowners should install a locking well cap or sanitary well seal – not just a cover over the well – to prevent unauthorized use or entry into the well. Septic systems should be pumped and inspected as often as recommended by the local health department. Care should be taken when mowing or working near the well.
If you’re find an abandoned or deteriorated well, please report it to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation at https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/abwells/default.aspx. Including an address or GPS coordinates and any photos or video of the well are helpful when you file the report.
(Information from TDLR / Photo: Unsplash)
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