| Water from a well that has been flooded should be | | | | to find a laboratory near you. Some local hospitals |
| assumed to be contaminated. Do not use the well | | | | may also test water samples for bacteria. Testing |
| water for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, | | | | water for bacteria ranges from $8 up to about $30 |
| or even bathing until you are satisfied that the water is | | | | depending on the lab. For more information see our |
| not contaminated. | | | | page dedicated to water testing. |
| Floodwater can be contaminated by substances from | | | | Well disinfection will not provide protection from |
| upstream, such as sewage from flooded septic | | | | pesticides, heavy metals and other types of |
| systems or wastewater treatment plants, manure, | | | | non-biological contamination. If such contamination is |
| pesticides or fertilizer applied to cropland that was | | | | suspected, due to the nearness of sources for these |
| flooded. A septic system in the vicinity of a well also | | | | types of contaminants, special treatment is required. |
| can cause contamination when the soil is flooded. | | | | Homeowners can call the EPA Well Care Hotline at |
| Wells that are inside pits may be flooded even if the | | | | (888) 395-1033 if contamination by non-biological |
| surface is not covered with water. | | | | elements is suspected. |
| In order to ensure that the water is safe, the well | | | | Well damage Another implication flooding can have on |
| should be disinfected, then the water should be tested | | | | your well is the damage or deconstruction of the well |
| to make sure pathogens have been completely | | | | in general. |
| eliminated. | | | | Fast moving floodwater can carry debris that could |
| Disinfecting a well W ell contractors or drillers may be | | | | dislodge well construction materials or distort the |
| contacted to disinfect the well, or you can do it | | | | casing. The coarse sediment in floodwater also could |
| yourself in some cases. The Indiana Department of | | | | erode pump components. Inspect the well for physical |
| Environmental Management has an illustrated guide for | | | | damage or look for signs of leakage. In the case of a |
| disinfecting a well on the web.Be sure to follow the | | | | damaged well, consult a licensed water well contractor |
| instructions carefully, which include the following steps: | | | | to find out if repairs are needed. |
| | | | Additionally, flooding can damage your well pump and |
| • Turn off electric power to the pump and | | | | electrical systems. If the pump and/or electrical system |
| remove the well cap. | | | | have been under water do not turn on the pump |
| • Prepare a bleach and water solution and | | | | because of the potential danger of electrical shock or |
| pour the solution into the top of the well. (instructions | | | | damage to your well or pump. Once floodwaters have |
| are in the IDEM guide) • Recirculate the water | | | | receded and the pump and electrical system have |
| by connecting a hose to a faucet and spraying the | | | | dried, have a qualified electrician check the wiring |
| water back into the well for at least 15 minutes. | | | | system. |
| • Open every faucet in the system and let | | | | Obtaining clean water Individuals with flooded wells are |
| the water run until the smell of chlorine can be | | | | encouraged to find an alternative source of water for |
| detected, then close all the faucets and seal the top of | | | | drinking, cooking and washing. For example, you may |
| the well. | | | | be able to get water from a neighbor's well if you |
| • Allow the chlorinated water to stand in the | | | | know it is safe, or from a public water supply. |
| system for several hours, preferably overnight. | | | | Purchasing bottled water also is a good alternative. If |
| • The following day, operate the pump by | | | | you can't find a convenient source of safe water, boil |
| turning on all faucets, continuing until there is no chlorine | | | | your well water for five minutes before use. |
| odor. | | | | Homeowners returning to their home after a flood |
| | | | may be anxious to use the water. |
| Testing well water Before you resume using the well, | | | | But remember that flooding presents special health |
| collect a water sample and have it tested by a | | | | risks and requires extra attention to protect your |
| certified laboratory. Call your county health department | | | | family's health. |