State law and the Permian Basin UWCD Rules require that all open or uncovered wells be covered with a cap that is capable of withstanding not less than four hundred pounds, and is not easily removed. Well caps constructed of heavy steel plating and a length of straight pipe are best suited for meeting these requirements.

When an open or uncovered well is discovered and reported to the District office, a notice is sent to the well owner or operator. The letter contains a request that the matter be corrected within 30 days.

Locating and closing open (or uncapped) wells is one of many objectives included in the District’s Management Plan. This objective is a part of the District’s goal of protecting groundwater quality.