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Abandoned wells are a significant environmental and safety risk. These wells can act as a conduit and allow contaminated surface water to enter the well and severely impact water quality, posing risk to drinking water supplies, as well as plant, animal and aquatic life.
Abandoned wells, especially large diameter wells, are also physical hazards that can result in injury or death to humans or animals who may accidentally fall in. Proper decommissioning of these wells is crucial to protect our water sources and improve public safety.
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year suite of programs that launched in 2023 and offers a variety of programs, including The Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program. This program provides funding to decommission large and small diameter wells, which helps to improve public safety and reduce potential groundwater contamination. Well decommissioning projects are eligible for a rebate of 90 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum of $10,000 per project.
Depending on the type of well you are looking to decommission, there are specific guidelines or requirements to ensure that the well is decommissioned properly. We have a team of Agri-Environmental Specialists across our Regional Office’s in the province that are available to support you with any questions around guidelines and requirements for the program as well as application support.
More information can be found here.
Shiela Miller, is an Agriculture Programs Specialist with Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, out of the regional office in Weyburn, Saskatchewan