The sealing of an artesian well

As an artesian well owner in Quebec, it is important to comply with the maintenance obligations of your water supply system. The Regulation respecting groundwater withdrawal (RPEP) aims to reduce the risk of groundwater contamination. If you no longer need your well, it is your responsibility to have it sealed, thus relieving you of its maintenance.

Sealing Procedure

Sealing an artesian well is a permanent operation that must be performed by professionals according to established standards. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Excavation of the casing : The well casing must be excavated to a depth of one meter from the ground surface.
2. Sectioning of the steel casing : The steel casing must be cut at the base of the excavation.
3. Filling with clean sand : The part of the wellbore in contact with the geological horizon must be filled with clean sand.
4. Filling the remaining casing : the remaining section of steel casing should be filled with bentonite or a cement-bentonite mixture.
5. Use of non-degradable materials : A material that does not degrade groundwater quality must be used.
6. Installation of a concrete slab A concrete slab must be placed on top of the steel casing.
7. Backfilling of the excavation : Then, the excavation is filled with the material originally excavated.