(photo: Kari Burnett)Abandoned wells can be a hazard if left and forgotten about.

The Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program has available funding for agriculture producers, First Nations, Rural Municipalities and other agri-businesses to decommission an abandoned wells. If a rural land owner does not earn a farm income, their RM can apply on their behalf.

Agricultural Program Specialist, Kari Burnett, said people should take advantage of the program, "We want to make sure when a well is used, it's being properly maintained. When it's not properly maintained, there's a risk that things that can fall into it like people, animals or debris. It can cause ground water contamination."

Not only can it be a hazard for people and other animals, abandoned wells can also effect property values.

(photo: Kari Burnett)Burnett said land owners should be on the lookout for any signs of a well on their property, "That's part of the problem, there wasn't a lot of records kept on old wells. There could be a well that hasn't been used in 50 years, nobody knows it's there but someone drives across the field and hits it."

If found, that well should be properly decommissioned. The program covers 90% of the costs to decommission an unused well. 

Burnett explained the basics of decommissioning a well, "Depending on if it's large or small diameter. Sometimes it would include removing the casing, there would be bentonite and chlorine added. Sometimes gravel and clay is used. Then they would seal and cap the well."

More Information: Water Security Agency - Well Decommissioning