BLOG

Older properties throughout the DFW Metroplex, particularly those with rural or semi-rural history, sometimes have old cisterns or water wells that predate municipal water service. If you've discovered one of these features on your property, whether during a demolition project or simply while planning land preparation, proper handling matters for safety and future site use.

What Old Cisterns and Wells Typically Look Like

Cisterns are typically underground storage structures once used to collect and store water, while wells are drilled or dug structures accessing groundwater directly. Both can range from clearly visible surface features to hidden structures only discovered during excavation or land clearing work.

Why These Features Require Careful Attention

Abandoned cisterns and wells present genuine safety hazards, potential collapse risks if the structure isn't stable, and can pose environmental concerns if not properly decommissioned, particularly for wells that provide a direct pathway to groundwater that could become contaminated if not properly sealed.

Identifying What You're Dealing With

If you discover a cistern or well on your property, determining its type, age, and condition typically requires professional assessment, since proper decommissioning procedures differ depending on the specific structure and local regulations governing water wells versus simple storage cisterns.

Proper Well Decommissioning

Water wells typically require decommissioning by a licensed well contractor, following state-specific regulations for properly sealing the well to prevent surface contaminants from reaching groundwater and to eliminate the structural hazard of an open or unstable well shaft.

Cistern Decommissioning

Cisterns, being storage structures rather than direct groundwater access points, may have somewhat different decommissioning requirements, though proper handling still generally involves ensuring the structure is stable, appropriately filled, or removed to eliminate any collapse hazard.

Permits and Documentation

Many local health departments or water authorities require permits or documentation for well decommissioning specifically, creating an official record that the structure was properly addressed rather than simply abandoned or covered over.

Why Simply Filling These Structures Isn't Sufficient

Similar to the concerns discussed regarding proper pool demolition, simply filling a cistern or well opening without addressing the underlying structure properly can lead to future settling, collapse, or contamination issues that surface well after the immediate work appears complete.

Coordinating With Your Demolition or Land Preparation Contractor

If a cistern or well is discovered during a broader demolition or land preparation project, your contractor should coordinate with appropriate licensed professionals for proper decommissioning before general site grading and preparation proceed in that area.

How This Affects Your Project Timeline

Discovering an unexpected cistern or well during a project can add time to your overall timeline, since proper decommissioning by licensed professionals needs to happen before the affected area can be properly graded and prepared for future use.

Historical Research for Older Properties

If you're aware your property has a history that might include an old cistern or well, even if not currently visible, researching the property's history or consulting with neighbors familiar with the area's development can sometimes provide useful information before you're surprised by a discovery during active work.

What Happens After Proper Decommissioning

Once a cistern or well is properly and professionally decommissioned, with appropriate documentation, the area can typically be graded and prepared like any other portion of your property, without the ongoing safety or environmental concerns an improperly addressed structure would present.

Tips for Property Owners Dealing With an Old Cistern or Well

• Don't attempt to fill or cover an old cistern or well yourself without proper professional assessment first.
• Work with a licensed well contractor for proper well decommissioning specifically.
• Confirm permit and documentation requirements with your local health department or water authority.
• If discovered during a broader demolition project, coordinate timing between decommissioning and your overall project schedule.