Millions of families across the United States rely on water wells to provide them with ready supplies of fresh, clean water for drinking, cleaning, and bathing. However, over time, a well may run dry. In this case, you may be left with an abandoned well that must be identified to eliminate safety hazards or prepare for new well drilling or construction. If you’re having trouble locating a disused well, keep the following tips in mind to find them.

How to Find an Abandoned Water Well

1. Look for Physical Infrastructure

Water wells incorporate a range of physical features, including pipes, pumps, and concrete or metal housings. To find a disused well, look for elements such as visible concrete slabs, protruding pipes, or patched holes. Other signs include basement offsets, windmills, and disused wiring previously used to supply power to pumps, pressure tanks, and other well components.

2. Consult Property Records

If you’re unable to detect physical traces of an old well, the next step should be to inspect property records. Laws in many states require well drilling contractors and users of private wells to secure a variety of permits and other documents.

This information is often accessible to the public or to property owners from local archives and planning authorities upon request. Other relevant sources of information include old maps, plans, property titles, aerial photographs, and service records.

3. Ask Those Familiar With the Property

An additional valuable source of information can be someone with some knowledge of your property, such as a neighbor or previous owner. They may know important details such as general locations of preexisting wells and may be able to provide clues as to their depth and type. If you have access to receipts for well drilling services or maintenance contractors, you may be able to enlist their help in locating an older well on your property.

If you need professional assistance to locate an out-of-use well on your property, get in touch with Oehler Pump & Well Service in Charlotte, NC. These water well experts offer a full range of services, including well drilling, maintenance, and repairs to residents throughout Mecklenburg, Iredell, and Cabarrus counties. Call (704) 875-2209 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website for more information on their services.