50 Ways - 39. Seal Abandoned Wells

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50 Ways Farmers Can Protect Their Groundwater

Nitrogen

1. Set realistic yield goals
2. Test the soil
3. Credit other nitrogen sources
4. Apply nitrogen in the spring
5. Use nitrification inhibitors when effective

Scouting

6. Scout fields

Insecticides

7. Know the economic thresholds for insects
8. Consider insect-resistant crop varieties
9. Spot-treat insect infestations when possible
10. Know how tillage affects insects
11. Know how crop rotation affects insects
12. Adjust planting & harvesting dates to control insects
13. Conserve beneficial insects
14. Consider using biological insecticides

Herbicides

15. Know the economic thresholds for weeds
16. Fine-tune your weed program to reduce rates
17. Manage crops to compete aggressively with weeds
18. Don't increase herbicide rates with conservation tillage
19. Band herbicides and cultivate
20. Control weeds with cover crops

Pesticide Selection

21. Determine the organic-matter of your soil
22. Determine your soil's potential for leaching
23. Determine your pesticide's potential for leaching
24. Determine the soil-pesticide interaction rating
25. Consider other critical pesticide qualities

Pesticide application

26. Select the proper nozzle tips
27. Calibrate your sprayer
28. Consider direct injection
29. SPrevent backsiphoning

Pesticide disposal and storage

30. Rinse chemical containers thoroughly
31. Dispose of rinsed containers safely
32. Dispose of excess chemicals safely
33. Store agrichemicals safely
34. Prevent and clean up chemical spills
35. Construct a rinse pad

Site conditions, wells, and septic systems

36. Know your well site conditions
37. Locate your well away from contamination sources
38. Make sure your well is constructed properly
39. Seal abandoned wells
40. Make sure your septic system operates correctly

Water testing & treatment

41. Test your water routinely
42. Test your water for coliform bacteria & nitrate
43. Test you water for pesticides
44. Know the signs of contaminants in drinking water
45. Select effective water-treatment methods

46. Store livestock waste properly
47. Have old, underground fuel storage tanks removed
48. Dispose of other hazardous waste safely
49. Take precautions when irrigating
50. Take precautions when chemigating

39. Seal Abandoned Wells
	When an abandoned well is improperly sealed, or not sealed at all, it can be a hazard to safety and health. Abandoned wells provide a direct path for pesticides, fertilizers, and other contaminants to reach your groundwater. You also run the risk of someone falling into an unsealed abandoned well. The best and only safeguard against this kind of situation is to properly seal all abandoned wells.
	Sealing a well is generally not an expensive process, but it must be done correctly and should be done by a licensed groundwater professional.
	Homeowners have the right to seal their own wells, as long as they accept all responsibility for sealing it in compliance with the Illinois Water Well Code and all pertinent county codes.
	Before any work on sealing a well can begin, however, you must report it to the local public health department. Also, be sure you have obtained all permits and notified well inspectors.
	You need to be sure your well sealing plan is approved by the local Department of Public Health before starting work. Exactly what is required in the plan depends on your local health department.
	Also, the procedure for sealing the well varies according to the type of well—dug or bored wells, drilled wells, or driven point wells. For details, contact your local public health department.