Texans Hiking Wildflowers Urged to Watch for Dangerous Abandoned Water Wells

As Texans venture out to enjoy wildflower hikes this spring, they are being cautioned to watch their step for potentially hazardous abandoned or deteriorated water wells and cisterns hidden beneath the fields.

These forgotten structures pose significant safety risks and can contaminate groundwater, acting as direct pathways for chemicals and surface pollutants like animal waste and pesticides to enter aquifers and, consequently, drinking water supplies. Uncapped wells and cisterns also present a physical danger to both humans and animals, who can suffer severe injuries or fatalities if they fall into them.

Landowners unsure about the presence of abandoned wells or cisterns on their property should look for telltale signs such as plastic, steel, brick, or concrete casing (pipe) extending above ground, or unexplained holes in the ground with no visible bottom. Some abandoned wells may have concrete or brick casings or a windmill with missing blades. Critically, deteriorated well casings or pipes might also be cut off at ground level, creating a hidden tripping hazard.

In Texas, a well is legally considered “abandoned” when it is no longer in use, as defined by the Texas Occupations Code, Section 1901.255. A “deteriorated” well is one that is currently causing or is likely to cause pollution of any water in the state, including groundwater.

Under Section 1901.255 of the Occupations Code, landowners are legally obligated to plug or bring abandoned or deteriorated wells on their property into compliance within 180 days of becoming aware of their existence.

The responsibility for these wells rests with the landowner. They have the option to plug the well themselves, adhering to the regulations outlined in Title 16, Texas Administrative Code, Section (76.104 Capping and Plugging Wells Standards), or to hire a well driller or pump installer licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to perform the work.

Landowners who choose to plug a well themselves must follow TDLR’s specific well plugging guidelines (available at https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/wwd/wwdspecs.htm) and submit a State of Texas Plugging Report to TDLR within 30 days of completing the plugging process.

To prevent future issues, landowners are advised to install a locking well cap or a sanitary well seal – rather than a simple cover – to prevent unauthorized access or entry into active wells. Regular pumping and inspection of septic systems, as recommended by the local health department, is also important. Exercise caution when mowing or working near wells.

Members of the public who discover an abandoned or deteriorated well are urged to report it to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation through their online portal at https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/abwells/default.aspx. When filing a report, including an address or GPS coordinates, along with any photos or videos of the well, can significantly aid the investigation process.