For Immediate Release

June 12, 2008

Contact:  Vicki Duey, Executive Director, Four Corners Health Department;

 Phone 402-362-2621

Water Quality May Be Concern after Recent Storms

Owners of private wells in the areas affected by recent storms and flooding are encouraged to test their wells for bacteria, according to Vicki Duey, Executive Director of the Four Corners Health Department.   “Flooded private water wells or wells suspected of being impacted by flooding may need to be tested to ensure that there has been no  contamination.”

Flood water can become polluted with material from overflowing sewage systems and agricultural and industrial byproducts.   That is the reason that people who drink or eat anything contaminated with flood water can be exposed to serious health risks.  Do not allow children to play in flood water, and wash children’s hands frequently.  Alcohol- based hand sanitizer can also be used if hands are not visibly soiled.

Water from private water wells in flooded areas should not be considered safe for drinking until tests from a certified laboratory have shown there is no contamination.  Cloudiness or a change in taste or smell are warning signs of possible contamination.

If your well is directly in the flooded area, Duey recommends, drink only commercially bottled, boiled or disinfected water.  It is advisable to conduct another water analysis a month or two after the first test.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, water may be disinfected by bringing it to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute or by mixing six drops (1/8 teaspoon) of ordinary household bleach per gallon of water.   Mix the solution thoroughly and let it stand for 30 minutes before using. 

Water sample kits for testing and information are available at Four Corners Health Department at 402-362-2621; toll free at 877-337-3573, or locally through the Butler County Extension office at (402) 367-7410, the Polk County Extension office at (402) 747-2321, the Seward County Extension office at (402)643-2981 or the York County Extension Office at (402)362-5508.   The cost of testing your water for bacteria is around $15.00.