Abandoned wells
Living the Country LIfe Radio Program
Abandoned wells are relatively common on country acreages. However, old wells can collapse and trap children or small animals. To find abandoned wells on your property, you may have to do some research. If you see something that looks like a manhole cover, wooden planks, or an old pipe sticking out of the ground, that's a good indication a well is nearby. Otherwise, you'll need to check maps, fire insurance documents, and other homeowner records to locate wells on your property. Once you've located the well, seal it with a mixture of sand and gravel, native clay, or neat cement grout.
Radio Interview Source: Barbara Liukkonen, water resources education coordinator, University of Minnesota
To learn more about dealing with abandoned wells on your property, we recommend the following helpful resources:
Determining that You Have an Abandoned Well: A list of signs that may indicate there is an abandoned well on your property.
Abandoned Wells Pose Safety Hazards: Tips for dealing with the dangers associated with old wells.
A Guide to Plugging Abandoned Wells: Step-by-step instructions for safely sealing a well.
