If a water well is dry, what should the driller do with the casing?

When a water well is found to be dry, removing the casing and filling the hole is a practical and responsible approach. This action ensures that the well does not pose a safety hazard to people or animals and prevents potential contamination of the groundwater. It eliminates the risk of someone inadvertently falling into the open well or the casing becoming a site for debris accumulation, which could affect nearby water sources.

Leaving the casing in place might initially seem like a viable option; however, it does not adequately address the issue of safety or potential environmental concerns. A dry well can still serve as a pathway for contaminants to reach groundwater, especially if the site is not monitored or maintained.

Plugging the top while ignoring the bottom is also not a sufficient solution, as it fails to account for the potential environmental risks associated with leaving the well partially abandoned. This option does not effectively close off the well from contamination or other hazards.

Abandoning the site entirely could be seen as a non-committal response, failing to take the necessary steps to properly manage the dry well and ensuring it does not negatively impact the surrounding environment or health. Properly filling in the hole ensures a responsible end to the life of a dry well.