Annual Abandoned Water Well Sealing Demonstration

Join us for the 2026 Well Sealing
Demonstration near Galesburg

State agencies estimate that there are at least 100,000 improperly abandoned wells in Illinois that could threaten local health and safety.

Legal Requirements
The Illinois Water Well Construction Code requires the owner of a water well, boring or monitoring well to properly seal the well within 30 days after it is abandoned and no longer used to supply water. If a well or boring is in such a state of disrepair that it has the potential for transmitting contaminants into the groundwater or otherwise threatens public health or safety, it also must be sealed.

The Groundwater Protection Act mandates that where an abandoned well is found to contaminate another potable water well, the owner of the abandoned well is responsible for providing a safe and sufficient supply of water to the owner of the well that has been contaminated.

Demonstration
The Knox County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the Knox County Health Department host an annual well sealing demonstration to educate landowners about the risks posed by abandoned water wells, how to seal a well themselves, and available cost share. Short presentations will be given by the Knox County Health Department, Knox County SWCD and the landowner. The 2026 demonstration will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 25th, 2026, at 1823 Knox Hwy 9, Galesburg, IL (across from Ameren). There will be a sign posted at this address.

Cost-Share Assistance
In August 2000, the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts passed a resolution establishing the sealing of abandoned wells as a top priority for Soil and Water Conservation Districts. In response, the Illinois Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with Illinois Water Well Sealing Coalition, has developed the Water Well Decommissioning Practice as a part of the Partners For Conservation Program.

Knox County SWCD provides 75% cost-share, not to exceed $500 for each dug well sealed (max $850 for each drilled well sealed). Any individual who owns or manages an abandoned water well within Illinois is eligible for cost-share assistance.

For further information about the well sealing demonstration, cost-share for well sealings, or other general questions, please contact the office at (309) 342-5138 extension 3.