California Well Abandonment — What Tulare County Farmers Need to Know

An old, unused well on your farm isn’t just taking up space—it’s a major liability. In California, particularly in agricultural hubs like Tulare County, well abandonment is heavily regulated for a good reason.

Why Abandonment is Required

Unused wells serve as “vertical conduits” for contaminants. If surface water, pesticides, or fertilizers make their way into an old, unsealed well, they can pollute your entire underground aquifer. This can lead to massive legal and environmental consequences for your property.

Regulation Basics

Tulare County and the DWR have strict standards for decommissioning wells. A true abandonment isn’t just filling a hole with dirt; it involves specialized sealing techniques that prevent vertical fluid movement between layers of the earth.

The Cost of Neglect

Trying to cut corners on abandonment can cost you significantly more in fines or remediation if the state finds that an unsealed well on your property has compromised local groundwater quality.

Do you have an unused well that needs to be decommissioned? We are fully certified to perform proper well abandonment. Contact us today for a consultation.