Unused or damaged water wells can contaminate groundwater and create safety risks on your land. Saskatchewan’s FRWIP Well Decommissioning Grant helps cover the cost of properly sealing and capping these wells, using registered well drillers. Under this stream, eligible applicants can receive up to $10,000 covering 90% of project costs to permanently decommission wells that are no longer in use.
The Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) — Well Decommissioning and Special Projects Pre-Approval is delivered by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture. It supports safe water management by funding the proper closure of wells that pose environmental or safety concerns.
Key funding details:
Eligible costs include sealing and capping work completed by a registered well driller, as required by provincial regulations.
You may be eligible if you fall into one of the following groups:
Additional eligibility rules apply:
The program focuses specifically on well decommissioning, not general repairs or upgrades.
Eligible activities include:
Important timing rule:
Only expenses incurred after October 1, 2022 are eligible for reimbursement under FRWIP.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility or project fit, you can use tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher to check your status before applying.
The application process is straightforward but attention to detail is important.
Step-by-step process:
Confirm eligibility
Check income thresholds, land access, and applicant type.
Get a quote from a registered well driller
This is mandatory. DIY or unregistered work will not qualify.
Prepare supporting documents
This may include:
Submit your application to the Ministry of Agriculture
Applications are reviewed before funding is approved.
Complete the work and submit claims
Once approved, complete the project and submit proof of payment.
Because this is a non-repayable grant, you do not need to repay the funds if you follow all program rules.
Starting work too early
Costs incurred before October 1, 2022 are not eligible, and work completed before approval may be rejected.
Using an unregistered contractor
Only registered well drillers are accepted. This is a strict requirement.
Missing income documentation
Many applications stall because proof of the $50,000 gross farm income threshold is incomplete.
Assuming the funding is a loan
This FRWIP stream provides a non-repayable grant, not a repayable loan.
Q: How much funding can I receive from the FRWIP well decommissioning program?
You can receive up to $10,000, covering a maximum of 90% of eligible project costs. Any remaining costs are your responsibility.
Q: Is the FRWIP well decommissioning funding repayable?
No. This stream provides a non-repayable grant.
Q: Do I need to use a registered well driller?
Yes. All sealing and capping work must be completed by a registered well driller to qualify for funding.
Q: Can new farm entrants apply?
New entrants may be eligible if they can meet the $50,000 gross income requirement within the program term.
Q: Do I need a PID number to apply?
A PID number is required if livestock or poultry are kept on the property where the well is located.
If you’re planning broader water or environmental projects, you may also find these helpful:
The Saskatchewan FRWIP Well Decommissioning Grant can significantly reduce the cost of closing unused wells while protecting your land and water supply. The key is confirming eligibility early and using registered contractors.
If you want to compare more water or environmental funding programs, GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada to help you find the right fit for your farm, location, and project goals.
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