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ALPENA – With recent flooding occurring across our four-county district, District Health Department No. 4 (DHD4) is informing residents that emergencies such as floods and power outages can make well water unsafe to drink.

“If your well has been flooded or there is standing water around your well casing, you cannot rule out the possibility of contamination in your well or water system without testing it for coliform bacteria,” says Joe Scheele, Environmental Health Director at DHD4. “It is important to test from the pressure tank, as that is typically the first spot a homeowner can draw water from and is indicative of the water quality coming directly from the well.”

If flooding occurs around your well, your drinking water may become contaminated. Wells in pits are especially at risk. Dirty water can enter through the well cap or vent. This can increase the risk of illness. Flood water may carry bacteria, viruses, sewage, organic debris, pesticides, and other chemicals. If you suspect your water is unsafe, you should obtain water from a known, safe source for drinking, cooking, and preparing food.

What to do Immediately:

• Do NOT drink the water,

• Use bottled water or water from a safe source,

• Boil water for at least five minutes, if necessary.

Well Care After Flooding:

• Remove debris from around the well,

• Flush the system using a hose for at least two hours after water clears,

• Once clear, flush all home plumbing,

• Do not turn on your system until after a professional has inspected it, flood water can damage

wiring and pumps, increasing the risk of electric shock.

Disinfect the Well:

• Have a professional registered well contractor disinfect drilled, driven, or bored wells. If you have questions about your private water supply, please call DHD4 at 1-800-221-0294.

To help keep your water supply safe year-round, test your water annually and monitor any changes in taste, smell or clarity.