Abandoned Well Plugging Grant

Community and not-for-profit noncommunity public water systems with at least one active or emergency well are eligible to apply for reimbursement funding through this program. Non-producing public water systems are only eligible to apply for funding if they own one or more public water wells that were deactivated following interconnection to a primary, groundwater-based, community public water system within the last five calendar years and the well meets the definition of an abandoned well, defined in Missouri Revised Statue section 256.603, RSMo.

To qualify for assistance, public water systems must either be compliant with all state and federal drinking water regulations or formally working toward compliance.

Projects must focus on proper plugging of abandoned drinking water wells that, if left unplugged, may present a contamination risk to groundwater resources used by a regulated public water system. Certified well drilling or pump installation contractors licensed to operate in Missouri must perform actual well plugging activities for proposed projects to qualify for funding. Incentives and public information activities are not eligible for funding.

Eligible project costs include materials and supplies necessary to properly plug an abandoned well according to Missouri’s Well Construction Rules (10 CSR 23-3.110) or contractual costs for a permitted well driller or pump installer to complete the plugging work. Nominal project oversight or consulting fees may be reimbursable on a case-by-case basis. Costs incurred before full execution of a financial assistance agreement between the department and the awardee are not eligible for reimbursement.

Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis after the priority application period. Awards are limited to a maximum of $20,000 in grant funds. Plugging public water wells requires a cost-share of 25% for each well or in-kind match. No cost-share is required to plug private or multiple-family wells. Costs not reimbursable through this program may qualify as match. 

The department is accepting applications for Abandoned Well Plugging Grants. To receive priority funding consideration, applications must be submitted by Jan. 31, 2025. Applications received between February 2025 through April 2025, may be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis if available funds remain available.

• Application for Abandoned Well Plugging Grant MO 780-2162

To receive priority funding consideration, applicants must submit their application through the department's Funding Opportunities Portal. New funding portal users must submit a Funding Opportunities Portal Access Request to establish access and use the portal. The application form and related materials are accessible through the funding portal.