Old or unused water wells can be a serious risk on Saskatchewan farms. They may contaminate groundwater, injure livestock, and lead to problems with provincial rules. If you need to close a farm water well in Saskatchewan, there is a clear process to follow — and you may qualify for provincial funding to cover most of the cost.
Decommissioning means permanently sealing a water well so it cannot carry water or allow contamination. In Saskatchewan, this is needed for wells that are:
Proper decommissioning protects aquifers and supports responsible farm water management. The Government of Saskatchewan requires wells to be sealed and capped so surface water, manure, or chemicals cannot enter groundwater.
You cannot do this yourself. Saskatchewan has strict rules for how wells must be closed.
You should decommission a well if it is unused or unsafe. Examples include abandoned bored wells, old hand-dug wells, or wells replaced by a pipeline or dugout system.
If you are unsure, a registered well driller can look at the well and tell you what to do next.
In Saskatchewan, sealing and capping must be done by a registered well driller. This is required for both funding and provincial compliance.
The driller will:
If you want help with costs, apply for pre-approval under the Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) — Well Decommissioning and Special Projects Pre-Approval before any work begins.
This program provides:
Expenses after October 1, 2022 may be eligible if the project meets program rules.
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check which programs fit your farm and water projects.
After approval, get the work done with your registered well driller. Keep:
You will need these to finish your funding claim.
Starting work before pre-approval
If you start sealing the well before FRWIP approval, your costs may not be eligible.
Using an unregistered contractor
Only registered well drillers qualify. Using someone else can void your funding and cause compliance issues.
Thinking the funding is a grant
FRWIP well decommissioning support is a repayable contribution, not a grant. Plan your cash flow.
Missing paperwork
Incomplete invoices or missing proof of payment can delay or reduce your reimbursement.
The FRWIP well decommissioning stream is open to several types of farm applicants in Saskatchewan, including:
If you keep livestock or poultry on the property, you may also need a valid Premises Identification (PID) number.
Q: How much funding can I receive to decommission a well?
You can receive up to $10,000, covering a maximum of 90% of eligible costs under FRWIP.
Q: Is the FRWIP well decommissioning funding a grant?
No. The funding is a repayable contribution, not a non-repayable grant or a loan.
Q: Do I have to use a registered well driller?
Yes. Sealing and capping must be completed by a registered well driller to meet program and provincial requirements.
Q: Are new farm operators eligible?
New entrants may be eligible if they can meet the $50,000 gross farm income threshold during the program term.
Q: Can older expenses be claimed?
Expenses incurred after October 1, 2022 may be eligible, as long as all program conditions are met.
GrantHub lists hundreds of active grant and repayable funding programs across Canada. You can check which ones match your farm profile.
Decommissioning a farm water well in Saskatchewan protects your land and keeps you on the right side of provincial rules. If you want funding, timing and paperwork matter most. GrantHub helps you find water infrastructure programs, check your eligibility, and stay updated on funding deadlines as your farm changes.
Was this article helpful?
Rate it so we can improve our content.
Canada Proactive Disclosure Data
The Canadian government has funded over 400,000 businesses through 1.27 million grants and contributions. Check your eligibility in 60 seconds.