An abandoned well, not properly decommissioned, can be a direct route for numerous types of pollutants into the states precious ground water supplies. Approximately 90% of Nebraskans receive their domestic water from ground water aquifers beneath the state's surface. It has been estimated that there may be as many as 150,000 abandoned domestic and irrigation wells within Nebraska's borders. Some of these wells have been abandoned for many years and the existence and location of many are unknown to even the landowner. When these wells are not properly decommissioned they have the potential to become not only a direct source for ground water contamination but also can be a safety hazard for humans and animals alike.
