Hunters warned about abandoned wells as dove season in Texas begins

AUSTIN - As dove season kicks off, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is urging hunters to stay vigilant for abandoned or deteriorated water wells and report any they come across.

With thousands of such wells scattered across Texas, hunters are likely to encounter these potential hazards. These wells not only pose significant physical dangers but also contribute to groundwater contamination. Abandoned or deteriorated wells can allow chemicals, animal waste, and pesticides to seep directly into aquifers, polluting groundwater. Open wells also present a serious risk to humans and animals, who can be injured or killed if they fall in.

Abandoned or deteriorated wells may appear as plastic, steel, brick, or concrete pipes extending above ground or as holes with no visible bottom. Some may have concrete or brick casing above ground or old windmills with missing blades. In some cases, the well casing might be cut off at ground level, making them particularly hazardous.

Under Texas law, wells are considered "abandoned" when they are no longer in use, as defined by Texas Occupations Code, Section 1901.255. A "deteriorated" well is one that is causing or likely to cause pollution of any water in the state, including groundwater.

Hunters who spot abandoned or deteriorated wells are encouraged to report them to TDLR at https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/abwells/default.aspx . Reports should include an address or GPS coordinates and, if possible, photos or videos of the well.

To prevent issues with unused wells, landowners should install locking well caps or sanitary well seals, which should not be easily removable by hand and should withstand up to 400 pounds of pressure. Septic systems should be inspected and pumped regularly, and care should be taken when mowing or working near wells.

Landowners are responsible for any abandoned or deteriorated wells on their property. Once a landowner becomes aware of such a well, they are required to plug it within 180 days. This can be done by the landowner, following TDLR’s guidelines, or by hiring a licensed well driller or pump installer. After plugging the well, a State of Texas Plugging Report must be submitted to TDLR within 30 days.

For more information on well plugging and to verify the licensing of well drillers or pump installers, visit the TDLR website .

Resources:

• Guide to plugging wells
• Check whether a water well driller or pump installer is licensed
  
• Water Well Drillers Law, Plugging Water Well
• Water Well Drillers and Pump Installers Administrative Rules, Technical Requirements—Standards for Capping and Plugging of Wells and Plugging Wells that Penetrate Injurious Water Zones

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