TOWN OF SPRINGDALE

Dane County has a cost-sharing program designed to encourage landowners to properly seal abandoned wells.

Unused and improperly abandoned wells pose a significant threat to groundwter. They can directly channel contaminated surface water into the groundwater that supplies nearby family wells. Water that gets into abndoned wells bypasses the purifying action that normally takes place in the upper layers of the soil.

This can happen if the casing pipe does not extend high enough abaove the ground's surface and the well cap has been broken or removed. It can also occur if the well is in a pit or is a large diameter open well that is not sufficiently sealed so that surface water can enter it.

Wells are removed from service for various reasons, but when they are, they are seldom properly cared for and should be safely sealed so that our groundwater in the area is protected. It is best if licensed well drillers and pump installers, be hired to fill these wells. Calling at least three who work in your area and getting references will help you determine who might best suit your needs.

Dane County looks upon proper well abandonment as long-term environmental and human health protection. In support of this, the county has a cost-share program for eligible owners to receive 75 percent of the abandonment costs up to a maximum of $350.00.

Owners applying for reimbursement must submit evidence of compliance by providing a copy of the property ownership document (as recorded at the Register of Deeds Office), a copy of the invoice marked "paid in full" from the individual that performed the abandonment work (that person must be a licensed well driller or pump installer), and a copy of the properly