District’s abandoned well program safeguarding aquifers

The St. Johns River Water Management District Governing Board continues to fund the Artesian Abandoned Well Plugging program in 2024. Highlighting the program’s success, the District achieved a significant milestone in 2023 by plugging 161 free-flowing wells, saving 20.1 million gallons of water a day.

“The District is dedicated to safeguarding our aquifers and preserving water quality,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Mike Register. “The Board's support of funding for this program underscores our collective commitment to responsible water management, reinforcing our resolve to protect Florida's waterways for generations to come.”

Artesian wells, often located in deeper aquifer sections, can be vulnerable to increased salinity. As these wells age, the deterioration of their casings poses a risk of allowing poorer water quality to intrude into zones used for drinking water supplies. 

To report a free-flowing well or to check its eligibility for the program, click here. For any questions regarding the Abandoned Artesian Well Plugging Program, please contact Jeannine Evans at 386-329-4319.

About the St. Johns River Water Management District

St. Johns River Water Management District staff are committed to ensuring the sustainable use and protection of water resources for the benefit of the people of the District and the state of Florida. The St. Johns River Water Management District is one of five districts in Florida managing groundwater and surface water supplies in the state. The District encompasses all or part of 18 northeast and east-central Florida counties. District headquarters are in Palatka, and staff are also available to serve the public at Apopka, Jacksonville, and Palm Bay service centers.

For more information about the District, please visit www.sjrwmd.com.