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