Water is one of our state’s most precious resources. Groundwater from aquifers (see “What is an Aquifer” on the FAQ page of this site) supply over half of the water used in Texas. Protecting the quality of this resource is the responsibility of all Texans.
Throughout the past, water has been drawn or pumped from wells. Over the years, many wells around homes, farms, industrial sites, and urban areas have been abandoned without being properly plugged. Not only are these unplugged abandoned wells a source of contamination to the aquifer, but are a safety hazard to children and animals.
Under Texas law and the rules of Rusk County Groundwater Conservation District, the landowner is responsible for plugging abandoned wells on their property. This responsibility includes liability for any water contamination or injury that might result from this unplugged well.
If you find an abandoned water well on your property, we recommend that you contact us for information and assistance in plugging the well properly. For further information you may want to look at the “Landowner’s Guide to Plugging
Abandoned Water Wells” (PDF) which discusses why and how an abandoned water well is to be plugged.
Again, the Rusk County Groundwater Conservation District will be happy to assist you in rectifying this dangerous situation on your property.
Not only are these unplugged abandoned wells a source of contamination to the aquifer, but are a safety hazard to children and animals.
