The Groundwater Quality Control Act, Part 127, 1978 PA 368 defines an abandoned water well as a well which:
- Has its use permanently discontinued
- Is in such disrepair that its continued use for obtaining groundwater is impractical
- Has been left uncompleted
- Is a threat to groundwater resources
- Is or may be a health or safety hazard
The act defines a temporarily abandoned well as a well which:
- Is not in use, but is intended by the owner to be used as a source of groundwater
To be classified as temporarily abandoned, a well casing must:
- Be securely sealed with a threaded, welded, or solvent welded cap to prevent access into the well and eliminate openings into the well
- Comply with isolation distance and construction requirements