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Well Capping & Plugging Reimbursement Program
Program Purpose
The purpose of the Well Capping and Plugging Reimbursement Program is to provide reimbursement for eligible expenses related to properly capping or permanently plugging unused or abandoned wells located within the District. This program is intended to protect groundwater resources and promote public safety while helping landowners comply with state law.
Well Capping and Plugging Reimbursement Program Policy (PDF)
Well Capping & Plugging Reimbursement Request Form (PDF)Reimbursement Eligibility
- The well must be located within Bastrop or Lee counties.
- The well must be clearly documented as unused or abandoned.
- Plugging must be performed in compliance with Texas Water Well Drillers Rules (16TAX Section 76).
- Plugged wells must have a Well Plugging Report submitted to the State of Texas andemailed to the District at lpgcd@lostpineswater.org.
- Capped wells must meet District safety guidelines (see Section 4).
- The applicant must be the property owner or legal well owner.
- The well must not be subject to any other existing reimbursement or mitigationagreement with the District.
The District will reimburse:
- Reasonable labor and materials for capping or plugging in compliance with state and District standards
- Licensed driller services for plugging
- Costs associated with purchase and installation of compliant well caps
Non-reimbursable costs include:
- Above-ground well houses or cosmetic improvements
- Work performed without documentation or by unlicensed individuals (for plugging)
- Sales tax, unless legally required
Well Capping & Plugging Reimbursement Request Form (PDF)
Requests for Reimbursement
All reimbursement requests must be submitted using the official Well Capping & Plugging Reimbursement Request Form, which includes:
- Property owner’s contact information
- Location and description of the well
- Supporting documentation (invoices, plugging report, photos)
Forms may be emailed to lpgcd@lostpineswater.org or mailed or delivered to:
Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District
Attn: General Manager
317 E Hempstead Street
Giddings, TX 78942
More Information on Well Capping & Plugging
- What's the Problem?
- State Law and Your Responsibility
- Plugging vs. Capping: What's the Difference?
- Report Abandoned Wells
What's The Problem?
The Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District reminds landowners that abandoned wells can pose serious health and safety risks. Open or improperly sealed wells act as direct pathways for surface contaminants—such as fertilizers, pesticides, or bacteria—to enter and pollute our aquifers, which supply drinking water across Bastrop and Lee counties.
In addition to water quality concerns, open wells present physical hazards. Children, pets, and wildlife can fall into unmarked, unsealed wells, leading to injury or worse. We urge all landowners to identify and report any abandoned wells on their property to the District.
State Law and Your Responsibility
According to Texas law, any well that is open or uncovered at land surface must be either properly capped or plugged.
Plugging a well must follow the standards outlined in the Texas Water Well Drillers Rules and requires submission of a State of Texas Well Plugging Report.
Email completed plugging reports to: lpgcd@lostpineswater.org
There is no state reporting requirement for capped wells, but proper capping is still vital for safety and water quality protection.
Plugging vs. Capping: What's the Difference?
Plugging a Well
Plugging is the process of permanently closing an unused well. It typically involves:
Filling the well with gravel to a specified depth.
Sealing the remaining space to the surface with cement.
If needed, perforating the well casing to allow cement to fill the annular (ring-shaped) space.
Cutting the well casing at least five feet below ground level and covering the area with soil, concrete, or a permanent structure.
Once properly plugged, the well is permanently out of service and the risk of contamination is significantly reduced.
Cappping a Well
If a well is still in use or may be used again, it must be securely capped to prevent contamination and ensure safety. A proper cap:
Must be able to support at least 400 pounds.
Should fit tightly and be sealed to prevent surface pollutants from entering.
Should not be easily removed by hand.
Needs to be heavy or secured (e.g., glued or welded) to avoid accidental removal.
Report Abandoned Wells
If you suspect an abandoned well on your property or in your community, contact the District for guidance support.
lpgcd@lostpineswater.org
(512) 360-5088
Working together, we canprotect our water, our land, and our communities.