“Lots of times it’s a random metal pipe sticking out of your yard,” said Kris Larson, Water Resource Technician with the Anoka Conservation District
If a well is there, and not being used, it could actually be causing trouble.
“The reason it’s important to seal these, by a professional, is it acts as a straw directly into our aquifer. This is a really easy way for contaminants to get down and contaminate our drinking water,” said Larson.
To try to stop as much contamination as possible, the Anoka Conservation District is offering well sealing grants. Larson says well sealing prices can vary a lot, depending on the depth of the well, but is often around $1,200. The district has identified a number of priority areas for well sealing, based on the likelihood of contaminants getting into the aquifers.
“We’re funding these at 60 percent of the project cost. So if you think you have a well and you live in a priority area, there’s a really good chance you would qualify.”
Funding for the project comes through state legacy funds, but the funding is limited, so interested homeowners are encouraged to act quickly.
“You know, it’s kind of a team effort to protect our ground water and by working together we can really help insure that we have clean safe drinking water now and for future generations,” said Larson.
There are thousands of unused wells in Anoka County, and the conservation district has enough money to support the sealing of a few hundred. You can learn more and get an application here.
