Funding to Decommission Abandoned Wells

Shiela Miller, AAg, Agriculture Program Specialist, Weyburn

May 2025

Abandoned wells pose significant environmental and safety risks. Left unattended, these wells can become conduits for contamination affecting both ecosystems and human health. Contaminated surface water can enter the well and severely impact water quality, posing risks 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 reduce risks, protect our water sources, and improve public safety. 

The Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program provides funding to improve public safety and reduce potential groundwater contamination through decommissioning of both small and large diameter wells. Well decommissioning projects are eligible for a rebate of 90 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum of $10,000 per project.

Here are some key items to know before you begin your well decommissioning project:

• All applicants are responsible for reviewing the Water Security Agency’s (WSA) Decommissioning Abandoned Water Wells Fact Sheet and understanding the procedures and materials required for properly decommissioning both large and small diameter wells.
• Small diameter wells must be decommissioned by a well driller registered in Saskatchewan that has expertise in well decommissioning and complies with WSA's recommended practices.
• For large diameter well decommissioning projects, WSA’s Bored Well Decommissioning Calculation is a tool that can be utilized to determine the required materials and amounts required to properly fill and seal the well.
• All well, decommissioning projects require a post construction WSA Decommissioning Worksheet to be completed and submitted with your application.

The Ministry of Agriculture has a team of Agri-Environmental Specialists across the province who are available to offer support in completing or checking the accuracy of the bored well decommissioning process, as well as support with your rebate application.

Visit the well decommissioning website or call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377 to speak with your Regional Agri-Environmental Specialist.