Abandoned wells can threaten groundwater quality and are a safety hazard for humans, especially children, and small animals. With these concerns in mind, Sacramento County’s Environmental Management Department (EMD) is developing a field survey program to identify abandoned wells and ensure that unsafe or problematic wells are properly secured or destroyed.
Groundwater reliance and quality
According to well drilling records maintained by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), over 16,000 wells have been installed in Sacramento County. Many more hand-dug and uncased wells were undoubtedly installed prior to establishment of the DWR water well database in the early 1950’s.
Sacramento County relies on groundwater to supply approximately a half of its water needs. Groundwater is obtained both from large water supply wells maintained by local water districts in urban areas, and by individual domestic and irrigation wells in more rural areas not serviced by public water suppliers. Due to deterioration, many abandoned wells allow runoff water carrying bacteria, sediment, fertilizer, pesticides and other surface pollutants to flow directly down into groundwater. This bypasses the natural filtering and degradation processes that can take place as these materials move through the soil. It is therefore crucial that steps are taken to protect this vital resource and help ensure a safe, adequate water supply for County residents, businesses and farms.
Safety hazard
Records abound of deaths and injuries to people and animals falling into wells. This underscores the importance of indentifying and properly securing these structures. Open pit wells and large diameter drilled wells are particularly hazardous.
Abandoned wells have been found in Sacramento’s rural areas and urban neighborhoods. A resident of Land Park in Sacramento was surprised recently to find an abandoned and improperly capped drilled well in her backyard. She was especially concerned when she discovered her two-year-old granddaughter playing near it. In early 2010, two dogs fell into a 20 foot deep well near Franklin Blvd. They were safely rescued by Sacramento firefighters.
A Safe Solution
Merely capping an abandoned well is not enough to prevent it from becoming a problem. In order to protect the health and safety of the people living near them, these wells should be properly plugged or sealed soon after abandonment. However, there is more to plugging a well than simply dumping something down the hole. Plugging materials must be strong, durable and free of contaminants. Effective well plugging requires experience and knowledge of well construction materials and methods.
For more information about the Abandoned Well Program or help locating an abandoned well on your property, visit www.emd.saccounty.net. You may also call the Abandoned Well Line at (916) 875-8532 or email EMD-abndwells@saccounty.net.
If you have questions or need more information, contact Elise Rothschild, Acting Chief, Environmental Compliance Division, 875-8473 or email Rothschilde@saccounty.net.