The average water well system has a lifespan of about 40 years. If your well has reached the end of its lifespan, you will need to drill a second one. But what should you do with your existing well?

You might think that you can just leave it as it is. However, this could result in your old well contaminating your new well. The well’s casings could rust or deteriorate, creating a hazardous environment. An old, leaking well could also contaminate a neighbor’s well, resulting in liability issues.

If you’ve just moved to a property with a well, keep in mind that the previous owners may not have safely sealed off any old wells on the property. Depressions in the ground, pipes sticking out of the ground, and concrete pits are all signs that an old well may still be located on your property.

The best practice is to arrange for a water well contractor to decommission and seal off an old water well for you. This will prevent contamination between the two.

Additionally the land owner by Texas law is responsible for plugging abandoned wells and liable for any water contamination or injury.