What is a potential risk of abandoned and unused wells?

Abandoned and unused wells pose a significant risk because they can leak contaminants into the surrounding environment. Once a well is no longer in use, it may deteriorate over time, creating pathways for surface contaminants, such as chemicals and bacteria, to seep into groundwater resources. This can lead to the contamination of drinking water supplies, adversely affecting public health and the ecosystem. Such leaks often occur when proper sealing and maintenance procedures are not followed, which further underscores the importance of monitoring and properly managing these wells to prevent environmental hazards.