Plugging Abandoned Water Wells

Well Volumes

Hole                 Volume per
Diameter          Foot of Depth
inches              gallon/ft            cu ft/ft

4                       0.7                    0.1
6                       1.5                    0.2
8                       2.6                    0.3
10                     4.1                    0.5
12                     5.9                    0.8
14                     8.0                    1.1
16                     10.5                  1.4
20                     16.4                  2.2
24                     23.6                  3.1
36                     53.0                  7.1
48                     94.2                  12.6
60                     146.9                19.6
72                     211.5                 28.3
96                     376.0                 50.3
108                   475.9                 63.6
120                   587.5                 78.5

Open wells are always a danger. Wells in current use should have an adequate top to prevent livestock or people from falling in. In addition, the well's construction should prevent surface waters from entering which will pollute the water. Those that are not in current use or will never be used should be plugged using approved methods. Cost-share assistance may be available, but we must have a signed landowner contract before any work is done on the project. 

Procedure for Plugging Hand Dug Abandoned Water Wells  (Unconfined Aquifer or Non-Artesian)

1. Remove pump, debris and properly dispose.
2. Pour Chlorine into well at a rate of 1 gallon of 5% solution to 500 gallons of water in well.
3. Knock top 5 feet of rock lining into well slowly. Put a few rocks in then fill voids with sand.
4. Fill with clean sand/gravel to static water level.
5. Keep water pumped down to the static water level.
6. Fill with compacted clay soil to within 5 feet of top.
7. Seal with a 6 inch layer of cement or Bentonite.
8. Fill remainder of well with compacted top soil.
9. (Kansas Residence) Fill out form WWC-5 (Well Plugging Record) with KDHE.

Kansas State University Extension publication on plugging abandoned wells.

Kansas State University Extension publication on plugging cisterns, cesspools, septic tanks, and other holes.