Abandoned Wells: What You Need to Know

Sealing, Compliance & Safety Services from Summers Well Drilling

An abandoned well isn't just an old pipe in the ground: it can be a real hazard to people, groundwater, and the environment.

At Summers Well Drilling, we help property owners safely identify, evaluate, and seal abandoned wells in full compliance with Arkansas Water Well Construction Commission (AWWCC) regulations, as well as other states' regulations.

If you've discovered a well on your property or suspect one may be buried or forgotten, we can help you handle it the right way.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact us today for a free consultation and estimate. We'll help you determine the best solution for your water needs.

What Is an Abandoned Well?

A well is considered abandoned if:

It is no longer in use and has no plan for future use It has not been properly sealed It is in such poor condition that continued use is impractical or unsafe

Unsealed wells can pose serious risks:

Groundwater Contamination

Contaminate local groundwater

Physical Hazards

Collapse or injure people or animals

Pollution Entry

Allow debris, runoff, or pollutants to enter the aquifer

Well Interference

Interfere with nearby drinking water wells

Don't Confuse This with an "Old Well"

Not all old wells are abandoned. In fact, many wells that haven't been used in years can be brought back to life with rehabilitation, updated pumps, and a good cleaning.

If you're unsure whether your well is worth saving, we can inspect it and provide honest guidance.

Need water, not paperwork?
Ask us about well rehabilitation before sealing.

State Law Requires Proper Sealing

Under state law, abandoned wells must be sealed by a licensed contractor using approved methods and materials. This helps:

Eliminate physical hazards Prevent contamination of the aquifer Preserve water table stability Comply with public safety and property regulations

Summers Well Drilling is fully licensed to perform sealing work in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, and we'll handle:

Equipment Removal

Old pump, casing, etc.

Debris Cleaning

Cleaning out debris or obstructions

Proper Grouting

Grouting the well with approved sealing materials

Documentation

Filing sealing records with the AWWCC or relevant state authority

Don't DIY Your Well Sealing

Trying to seal a well yourself can:

Lead to legal liability if done incorrectly Make the well harder or more expensive to seal properly later Result in fines or compliance violations Endanger your property or the water supply

We have the equipment and expertise to seal the well right the first time, and make sure the documentation holds up if you ever sell or develop the land.

Not Sure What You're Dealing With?

Our team can:

Locate and uncover suspected wells Perform camera inspections Assess whether the well is abandoned or worth rehabilitating Provide a clear, affordable plan for next steps

Don't Let an Abandoned Well Become a Liability

Found an old well on your property? We'll help you figure out what it is, and what to do next.

Call Summers Well Drilling for licensed abandoned well sealing, inspection, or honest recommendations on whether your well can be brought back to life.

Get Your Free Estimate

Tell us about your well drilling or pump service needs and we'll get back to you with a detailed estimate and next steps.

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