Nebraska regulations require that illegal wells be decommissioned by a licensed Nebraska Well Contractor. This process includes removal of well equipment (pump, piping, etc), disinfecting, sealing, filling, capping, and reporting.
The cost of decommissioning a well depends on several factors:
- accessibility,
- construction technique and materials,
- diameter and depth, and
- condition.
Generally this is not particularly expensive. For example, 23 out-of-service domestic and livestock wells in the Shell Creek Watershed were decommissioned between 2005 and 2007 at an average cost of $354 per well. Out-of-pocket expense to the well owner will often be less than $100 - a small price to pay to help assure that water quality and human safety are protected.
Natural Resources Districts offer Cost Shares
Because of the importance of protecting water quality, nearly every Natural Resources District (NRD) offers an attractive incentive to assist well owners with the cost of decommissioning. Payment rates vary by NRD, but typically these programs will pay for 60 to 75% of the costs, reducing the expenses of the well owner to under $100.
Apply for cost shares
To apply for well decommissioning cost-share assistance, well owners must first contact the appropriate NRD for an information and application packet that gives guidelines, forms, and instructions. No cost-share payments can be made unless all procedures are followed.
Sign up for updates from UNL Water