Abandoned private wells are a concern for the future of Iowa’s water resources. Jennine Wolf is the Director of Environmental Health in Washington County and says abandoned wells allow for contaminants to get into the aquifer, affecting the state’s groundwater.

A way to reduced contaminates is by plugging wells no longer in use. Through the Grants to Counties program, Wolf says residents of Washington County can be reimbursed up to $500 for plugging abandoned wells. Land owners are encouraged to also have their well water tested annually.

For more information about plugging abandoned wells or to schedule a private well water test, residents are asked to call the Washington County Environmental Services Office at 319-653-7782.