Plugging an old or abandoned water well in Oklahoma
If a well is abandoned after the drilling rig has left, the landowner is responsible for plugging it under OWRB rules (OWRB fact sheet: plugging abandoned wells).
Who has to plug an abandoned well?
The driller, if the drilling equipment is still on site; otherwise the owner of the land (OAC 785:35-11-1(c)(1)).
How is an uncontaminated well plugged?
Under the rule as checked November 2, 2026, the well is filled with approved materials such as clean cuttings, clay, cement or bentonite to within 14 feet of the surface, then at least 10 feet of cement grout goes in the casing and annular space to at least 4 feet below the surface (OAC 785:35-11-1(c)(2)). Wells in some river alluvium, hand dug wells and contaminated wells have different steps under the same rule.
How long does the driller have to report the plugging?
60 days: OWRB says licensed drillers file a completion report within sixty days after plugging an abandoned well (OWRB My Water Well guide).
Why bother?
OWRB warns that open old wells, often hidden by weeds and brush, are a danger to children and animals and let runoff and debris reach the groundwater (OWRB fact sheet). A licensed driller or pump installer can do the work; check them on the OWRB licensed driller search.
Related: check a driller · DEQ lab test prices · plugging an old well · permits and setbacks · costs