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 n conjunction with the 1998 Water Awareness
Campaign and the California Groundwater Association, the County Department
of Environmental Health has launched a public information drive to alert
all property owners to the potential health and safety risks of abandoned
wells, pits, and bore holes.
 "The danger of these open wells
is a county-wide problem," explained Dan Avera, Director of the County
Department of Environmental Health. "There may be hundreds of abandoned
wells and pits throughout the region. Many are hand-dug wells 25- to 100-feet
deep and covered with little else than plywood. It's a miracle we haven't
had accidents like those in other areas where children have fallen into
a well and rescue workers labored round the clock to save them. Our goal
is to prevent accidents like these from happening here in San Diego."
In addition to the safety risks of
exposed pits and abandoned wells, experts warn that in some instances these
areas have been used to dispose of hazardous waste which threatens to contaminate
the groundwater, a vital source of drinking water and irrigation for many
residents. These contaminants include engine oil, paint, used tires, and
other chemical wastes which have been discovered in wells on rural, as well
as suburban, properties throughout the county.
To protect yourself and the area's
natural water resource, the County Department of Environmental Health encourages
you to:
- Walk your property. Whether you own, lease or rent, know
what's on your land parcel. Watch for signs of a pit or well which may
be covered with sheet metal or plywood. If you find one, clearly mark it.
- If you use it, cover it. Your well water is a valuable
resource so make sure it has a sufficient cover to prevent anyone from
contaminating it.
- If you don't use it, properly cap it or destroy it. To
prevent accidental injury and possible groundwater contamination, contact
the County Department of Environmental Health or a licensed well driller
contractor to arrange an inspection of your well. You will receive information
on required permits and proper destruction methods.
Pass the word. Tell your neighbors,
friends, co-workers, community groups, and church members to check their
properties for abandoned wells.  |
