Water that gets into abandoned wells bypasses the purifying action that normally takes place in the upper layers of the soil. Many thousands of improperly abandoned wells are threatening groundwater in Wisconsin. Whenever you see an old deteriorating windmill in the countryside, there is likely an improperly abandoned well underneath. Contaminated surface water can seep down along the casing pipe of an improperly constructed well. Wells in low areas are sometimes illegally left open to drain surface water from heavy rainfall or snowmelt.
Open wells offer tempting disposal receptacles for liquid and solid wastes.
The disposal of any pollutant or wastewater in a well is prohibited by State codes. Large-diameter open wells pose safety hazards for small children and animals. There are several documented instances of children becoming trapped or drowning after falling into or playing in an abandoned and improperly closed well. Although such occurrences are infrequent, they should never be allowed to happen. Improperly abandoned flowing wells can be a nuisance and may lower artesian pressure in neighboring wells.