Abandoned Well Management


The Source of Quality Water
The Saginaw Aquifer, a sandstone layer reaching from 100 to 400 feet deep underground, is the source of drinking water for almost all of the residents of the mid-Michigan region. It is protected from direct surface contamination at its upper levels by a confining layer of shale and/or clay. It can therefore be described as a "confined aquifer". A confined aquifer offers the utmost in protection of water quality for those who use it.

The Need for Protection
However, when an abandoned well is not maintained, contamination can penetrate to the drinking water aquifer. All it takes for contaminated surface water to reach the lower, formerly protected Saginaw Aquifer is to have the well casing rust, rot or break. The contaminant has direct access to the lower aquifer through the side of the well, down past the confining layer.

The Solution
The solution for this problem is simple: Plug the abandoned wells with stone and cement, and eliminate these as a route for contaminant transpont to the drinking water aquifer.

Working for a Common Goal: Quality Water for the Future
In May 2001, the Cities of Lansing and East Lansing and the Charter Townships of Delhi, Lansing and Meridian were awarded a total of $85,000 in grants from the State of Michigan for the location of abandoned wells in the public water supply systems Wellhead Protection Areas, and for public education and outreach on the need to close and plug abandoned wells.

The communities, working cooperatively, have retained a public relations firm to develop an education campaign. The campaign has introduced "Kap Wells" as the spokesperson for the abandoned well location and plugging campaign. The communities are in the process of selecting and retaining well drilling contractors to plug the wells that have been located. When a contractor is identified, an additional grant will be obtained from the state to cover 75% of the cost of the well plugging. The Board of Water & Light has set aside $25,000 a year to cover the addition 25% of the cost. Therefore, there will be no cost to the private homeowner for plugging the well.

If you think you have an abandoned well on your property and would like to find out if you qualify for a free well closure, please contact:

Kap Wells at 1-866-KAPWELL

CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON ABANDONED WELLS
AT MICHIGAN'S DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY