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.

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 drinking water wells that, if left unplugged, may present a contamination risk to Missouri's groundwater resources. 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 beginning Nov. 1, 2025. To receive priority funding consideration, applications must be submitted by Dec. 31, 2025. Applications received between Jan. 1, 2026 through Feb. 28, 2026, may be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis as funds remain available.

Applicants may submit their application by email to sourcewaterprotection@dnr.mo.gov or 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.

• Application for Abandoned Well Plugging Grant MO 780-2162

The State Revolving Fund Affordability Grant Eligibility Evaluation is used to determine priority scoring for the grant. It does not determine applicant or project eligibility. Applicants do not need to complete the evaluation form, but it is recommended to review the data used to select applicants.

• State Revolving Fund Affordability Grant Eligibility Evaluation Form MO 780-2854

In order to receive funding, applicants must execute and adhere to a financial assistance agreement. When an applicant is recommended for an award, the financial assistance agreement will be sent along with the terms and conditions.

• MoDNR Federal Financial Assistance Agreements: General Terms and Conditions