Financial Support for Well Sealing

Kanabec SWCD offers financial assistance to landowners for sealing old, unused wells. Unsealed wells pose a significant threat to public health by providing a direct pathway for pollutants to enter the groundwater - the source of drinking water for most private wells. Groundwater contamination can jeopardize the health of families, neighbors, livestock, and entire communities.

Failing to properly seal an unused well not only increases health risks but can also result in legal and financial liability if the well contributes to groundwater contamination. The State of Minnesota prioritizes the identification and sealing of these wells to safeguard drinking water supplies, and Kanabec SWCD has received funding to help landowners with the cost of sealing them.

Important Note:
Financial assistance will be prioritized for projects located within drinking water and groundwater priority areas identified in our local watershed plans.
A map showing the areas in the Snake River Watershed where protecting groundwater from nitrate contamination is a top priority is included below for reference. If you have questions about eligibility or want to discuss a specific location, please contact us.

Sealing an unused well is often far more affordable than dealing with the consequences of groundwater contamination. This program is intended to help reduce the financial burden of sealing unused wells, not to provide technical advisement or contractor recommendations.

Contact us to learn more about available financial assistance and how to apply.