The provisions of this chapter apply to a wild well, or a well out of control, except if it is determined by the department of water resources the well cannot be repaired for use, no valve may be attached, but every effort must be made by the owner to seal, plug, or cut off the well. Old wells that might be damaged by so doing need not be shut off, but such wells must be put in repair at the earliest possible date and must be regulated after the repair.
N.D.C.C. § 61-20-03