Well Abandonments & Decommissioning Services
Well abandonments are regulated drilling operations — not simple well caps. Hydro specializes in state-approved, documented well decommissioning that permanently protects groundwater and eliminates contamination pathways.
What Is a Well Abandonment?
A well abandonment is the regulated process of permanently sealing and decommissioning a water or monitoring well to prevent groundwater contamination and ensure compliance with Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) standards. In Idaho, only licensed well drillers may legally perform well abandonments.
Why Well Abandonments Are Required
When Should a Well Be Abandoned?
Well abandonments are required for both environmental protection and legal compliance. Proper sealing eliminates vertical contamination pathways and reduces long-term liability.
Key reasons include:
-
Groundwater protection – Prevents surface contaminants from entering aquifers
-
Legal compliance – Meets Idaho Department of Water Resources regulations
-
Property liability reduction – Removes safety and environmental risks
-
Construction site preparation – Required before redevelopment or excavation
-
Preventing cross-contamination – Stops migration between water-bearing zones
An improperly abandoned well can compromise entire aquifers — and property owners remain responsible until it is sealed according to state standards.
You may need a well abandonment if:
-
The well is no longer in use
-
The well is damaged, collapsed, or contaminated
-
A property is undergoing redevelopment or demolition
-
An inspection requires closure under IDWR enforcement
-
A new replacement well is being installed
-
The well cannot meet current construction standards
In Idaho, unused wells cannot simply be capped and left in place. They must be properly decommissioned by a licensed Idaho well driller using approved sealing methods.
Our Well Abandonment process
1 Site Evaluation
We assess well depth, casing diameter, construction type, artesian pressure conditions (if present), and site accessibility. Historical well logs are reviewed to determine the appropriate sealing strategy in accordance with IDWR guidelines.
2 Permit verification
We confirm regulatory requirements with IDWR and ensure the abandonment method meets current state standards.
3 Well Cleaning & Preparation
Obstructions such as pumps, drop pipe, and debris are removed. If required, casing is perforated at specified intervals to allow proper grout penetration into surrounding formations.
4 Sealing with approved materials
Most wells in the Treasure Valley require the perforate-and-pressure-grout method. Using cement grout mix, we pressure-pump material from bottom to surface to fully seal the borehole and eliminate voids. If the well is flowing artesian, additional control measures are required to manage pressure and ensure proper sealing. Flowing artesian wells typically require more material, more time, and more technical control — and therefore cost more to properly abandon. Absorption factors and formation conditions are built into our calculations to ensure full compliance.
5 Documentation & state reporting
Upon completion, we submit required abandonment documentation to IDWR, including sealing method and material volumes used. This provides permanent regulatory record and proof of compliance for property owners.
Well abandonment regulations in idaho
In Idaho, well abandonments are regulated by the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR). State rules require:
-
Completion by a licensed Idaho well driller
-
Approved sealing materials (cement grout or bentonite, depending on conditions)
-
Proper perforation where required
-
Full-depth sealing
-
Submission of an official abandonment report
Failure to comply may result in enforcement action, penalties, or project delays.
For official regulatory guidance, visit:
Hydro stays current on IDWR requirements to ensure every abandonment meets state standards the first time.
How much do well abandonments cost?
Well abandonment cost varies based on several technical factors:
-
Well depth – Deeper wells require more material and labor
-
Casing diameter – Larger diameters increase grout volume
-
Accessibility – Equipment access affects mobilization time
-
Permit requirements – Regulatory filing and documentation
-
Soil and formation conditions – High absorption zones require additional grout
-
Flowing artesian conditions – Pressurized wells require additional control, material, and time
Because Idaho often requires perforation and pressure-grouting, material volumes can increase significantly depending on formation loss and artesian flow conditions.
Flowing artesian wells in particular are more complex to abandon and generally cost more due to pressure management and additional grout volumes required to achieve a proper seal.
We provide detailed, transparent proposals outlining estimated grout volumes, absorption buffers, and sealing method.
Request a project-specific quote for accurate pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Need a professional well abandonment?
Protect your property and Idaho’s groundwater with licensed, compliant service.