Capping and filling wells or similar structures
Wis. Stat. § 167.27
in effect(1) This section applies only to counties of a population of 750,000 or more.
(2) The owner of any real estate shall securely protect any well, seepage pit, cistern, cesspool, septic tank, or other similar structures in active use with a cover of concrete, metal or wood covered with sheet metal, securely fastened and of sufficient weight so it cannot be removed by small children and so as to make it free from danger to persons going upon such real estate.
(3) Whenever any shallow dug well, seepage pit, cistern, cesspool or septic tank is abandoned or its use discontinued, the owner of the real estate upon which it is located shall promptly fill the same to grade.
(4) Whenever any drilled, bored or deep dug well, except test wells of 10 inches or less in diameter, is abandoned or its use discontinued, the owner of the real estate upon which it is located shall promptly fill the same, either with alternate layers of sand or clay and concrete, and seal with a concrete cover at least 5 inches thick, or in accordance with recommendations of the department of health services.
(5) Whenever any mine shaft, exploration shaft or test well is abandoned or its use discontinued, the operator or contractor shall promptly fill same to grade or enclose the same with a fence of strong woven wire not less than 46 inches wide with one barbwire above or cap same with a reinforced concrete slab at least 6 inches thick or with a native boulder at least 3 times the diameter of the top of the shaft or test well bore. The strands of the woven wire shall not be smaller than No. 12 wire and the cross wires and meshes shall not be smaller than No. 16 wire; the strands shall not be more than 12 inches apart, and the meshes shall not exceed 8 inches square. All wires must be tightly stretched and securely fastened to sufficient posts firmly set not more than 8 feet apart. In case any person shall neglect to repair or rebuild such fence which the person is so required to build and maintain, any person may complain to the department of safety and professional services or to the local governing body, which shall give notice in writing to the person who is required to build and maintain such fence. The department of safety and professional services or the local governing body shall then proceed to examine the fence, and if it shall determine that such fence is insufficient, it shall notify the person responsible for its erection and maintenance and direct the person to repair or rebuild the fence within such time as it shall deem reasonable. Any person refusing to comply with such order shall be subject to the penalties provided.
(6) Existing abandoned mine shafts, exploration shafts or test wells shall be securely protected by owner of the real estate upon which it is located.
(7) Any person violating this section shall be fined not less than $10 nor more than $200 or imprisoned not exceeding 6 months, or both.
(8) Any violation of this section coming to the attention of the department of safety and professional services or municipal authorities shall be reported to the attorney general or district attorney for prosecution.
Source: WI Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/167.27Fetched: 10/7/2026