Well abandonment is the process of permanently sealing and closing a well that is no longer in use to prevent contamination of groundwater.

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This process typically involves removing pumping or nay equipment, cleaning the well, and then filling it with approved sealing materials like cement or bentonite clay. 

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Local permitting jurisdiction issues well abandonment permit and may impose special requirements that are based on the original well construction and the current well condition.

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Often time well abandonment (permanent destruction) requires the use of explosives, in which process, driller and licensed blaster perform controlled underground explosion. Abandonment by blasting is a very safe and effective method of well abandonment.