Skip to main content
City of Madison
  • Accounts
    • All Accounts
    • My Account
    • ePayments
    • Water Customer Care
    • Employment
    • Licenses & Permits
  • Services
  • Jobs
  • Agencies
    • All Agencies
    • Assessor
    • Attorney
    • Building Inspection
    • Civil Rights
    • Clerk
    • Common Council
    • Community Development
    • Development Services Center
    • Economic Development
    • Employee Assistance Program
    • Engineering
    • Finance
    • Fire
    • Golf
    • Goodman Pool
    • Housing Authority
    • Human Resources
    • Information Technology
    • Madison City Channel
    • Madison Public Library
    • Madison Senior Center
    • Mayor's Office
    • Metro Transit
    • Monona Terrace
    • Municipal Court
    • Office of Business Resources
    • Office of Real Estate Services
    • Olbrich Botanical Gardens
    • Parking Utility
    • Parks
    • Planning
    • Planning, Community & Economic Development
    • Police
    • Public Health Madison & Dane County
    • Public Works
    • Streets & Recycling
    • Traffic Engineering
    • Transportation
    • Treasurer
    • Warner Park Community Recreation Center
    • Water Utility
  • Data
  • Contact
    • Mayor
    • City Council
    • City Staff & Agencies

Search form

Madison Water Utility

Water Utility

Tom Heikkinen, General Manager

  • Founded in 1882
  • Celebrating 136 years serving our community

  • Home
  • Billing & Rates
  • Plumbers & Contractors
  • Sustainability
  • Water Quality
  • Projects
  • Media
  • Education & Outreach
  • En Español
  • About
  1. City of Madison
  2. Water Utility
  3. Water Quality
  4. Private Wells
  5. Well Abandonment

Well Abandonment

Domestic wells represent potential conduits or direct pathways for surface contaminants to reach the groundwater supply. For example, holes in the basement floor can easily be mistaken as drains to the sewer system. The proper abandonment of an unused well avoids the possibility of contamination by closing and sealing the connection between the land surface and the groundwater below our feet.

As of June 1, 2008, only licensed well drillers and pump installers can fill and seal wells under Wisconsin law. These licensed professionals must follow the regulations codified in Wisconsin Administrative Code, Chapter NR 812.

A list of licensed well drillers and pump installers is available on the Department of Natural Resources website.

Well Abandonment Reimbursement Program

In 2010, the City of Madison initiated the Well Abandonment Reimbursement Program to encourage property owners to properly abandon private wells and help offset the cost of abandonment.

Generally, the City and water utility are authorized to reimburse 50% of the cost, up to a maximum of $1000, to abandon a well. Reimbursement is limited to actual realized costs to properly fill and seal the well and do not include the cost to connect to municipal water service.

Funds are limited and some restrictions may apply. In addition, the DNR offers a grant based reimbursement program to also help offset abandonment costs. If qualified, property owners may seek reimbursement from both programs. Please contact the DNR at (608) 266-5742 or (508) 267-9350 for program details.

Proper abandonment involves pulling the pumping equipment and filling the well with an approved, impermeable material. According to state code and city ordinance, the work must be completed by a licensed well driller or pump installer, and the Madison Water Utility must be given a minimum of 48 hours notice to schedule staff to witness the abandonment.

The following requirements must be met before payment may be disbursed:

  • Notification to the water utility at least 48 hours prior to the abandonment to schedule an inspector. There is no fee for the inspector to witness the abandonment.
  • Completed and signed reimbursement application
  • Itemized receipt from the licensed well driller or pump installer who performed the abandonment.
  • Completed DNR Well Abandonment Form (DNR 3300-005). This form will be completed by the licensed well driller or pump installer; the contractor must also submit a copy to the DNR within 10 days of the abandonment.

Submit the required paperwork to:

Madison Water Utility
Attn: Private Wells
119 E. Olin Avenue
Madison, WI 53713

Additional Resources for Private Well Owners

  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Department of Natural Resources Information for Homeowners with Private Wells
  • Water Systems Council brochure – Closing an Abandoned Well
  • For more information or if you have questions, please contact the Water Utility at 266-4654 or water@cityofmadison.com.

Water Quality

  • Water Quality at My Address
  • Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
  • Water Main Flushing Program
  • Water Quality Testing
  • Private Wells
    • FAQs – Attached Properties, Municipal Water Requirements
    • FAQs – Attached Properties, Private Well Requirements
  • Cross-Connection Control Program
  • Wellhead Protection Program
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Discolored Water
  • Lead Service Replacement Program
    • Lead in water: What you should know
    • Information for Utilities on Lead Service Replacement
  • Road salt and Madison's drinking water
  • Well 8
    • Groundwater Study Update
  • Well 27 Radium Study

Water Utility

Water Utility Administrative Office
119 East Olin Avenue
Madison, WI 53713
  • Report Main Break/Emergency: (608) 266-4661
  • Report Emergency After Hours: (608) 266-4665
  • Office: (608) 266-4651
  • Fax: (608) 266-4426
  • Office Hours: 7:30am - 4:00pm, M-F
  • Drinking Water Concerns/Questions
  • Email Us
  • WI Relay Service

Customer Care

  • Pay your bill
  • Start or stop service
  • View water use
  • Set up usage alert
  • Apply for toilet rebate

Social Media

  • Find us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Instagram
  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Watch us on YouTube
  • Read "Inside MWU"

Stay Informed

  • Blackhawk Water Tower Email List
  • Inside MWU Email List
  • Water Main Flushing
  • Water Utility News & Alerts
  • Well 31

All Social Media »

Our Madison – Inclusive, Innovative, & Thriving
Copyright © 1995 - 2019
  • City of Madison, WI
  • Contact Webmaster
  • Accessibility
  • Conditions & Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Security Policy
  • Data Policy