Strategic Plan Review

AQUIFER MANAGEMENT & PROTECTION

Abandoned Well Program

Abandoned and deteriorated wells are direct conduits for potential contamination from the surface to reach the fresh water supply in the aquifer. So, abandoned water wells pose a threat to our groundwater quality. While Texas law makes the landowner responsible for plugging abandoned wells, the threats posed by that well can be significant health risks to the general population. To reduce these health risks, the EAA has developed an abandoned well risk assessment tool to rank potential impacts to groundwater quality ( slide 9 ). This tool helps to accelerate the plugging of those wells based on the risk to groundwater quality and to public health. Collaborative partnerships across the region could also help us facilitate this process by educating their constituents of the potential dangers, notifying them of well registration requirements, and sharing information with the EAA when an abandoned well is discovered. While the EAA has a needs-based abandoned well closure assistance program, additional funding sources would also be highly beneficial and continue to be explored.

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