San Pablo Municipal Code Ch. 8.34 Abandoned Wells

A well is considered “abandoned” when it has not been used for a period of one year, unless the owner demonstrates his intention to use the well again for supplying water or other associated purpose (such as an observation well or injection well). The well shall then be considered “inactive.” As evidence of his intentions for continuing use, the owner shall properly maintain the well in such a way that:

A. The well has no defects which will allow the impairment of quality of water in the well or in the water-bearing formations penetrated;

B. The well is covered such that the cover is watertight and cannot be removed except with the aid of equipment or the use of tools;

C. The well is marked so that it can be clearly seen;

D. The area surrounding the well is kept clear of brush or debris.

(Ord. 84-009 § 1 (part), 1984)

To prevent contamination of groundwaters and other dangers, every person wholly or partially responsible for abandoning a well or having entire or partial right of ownership or possession of the land or premises on which an abandoned well is situated shall destroy the well as specified in Part III, Section 23 of the State of California, Department of Water Resources, Bulletin Number 74, a copy of which is on file in the city of San Pablo.

(Ord. 84-009 § 1 (part), 1984)

Any person violating this chapter by failing to destroy the well as specified in Section 8.34.020, after a ten-day notice to comply, is guilty of an infraction and punishable as provided in Section 1.08.020, and remains subject to other applicable penalties and enforcement procedures authorized by state law and/or this code. Citations for failure to comply shall be, and are, authorized for cumulative violations after each ten-day notice to comply.

(Ord. 84-009 § 1 (part), 1984)