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Owners of private water wells whose wells flooded from the recent rains should assume that their well water is contaminated until tested, according to Dr. Diane Boellstorff, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service water resource specialist, College Station. Well owners in flooded areas should assume their well water is contaminated and have it tested.
“You should not use water from a flooded well for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing your teeth or even bathing until you are satisfied it is not contaminated,” Boellstorff said. Boellstorff, who is in Texas A&M University’s soil and crop sciences department, said floodwater might contain substances from upstream, such as manure, sewage from flooded septic systems or wastewater treatment plants, or other contaminants. A septic system near a well also can cause contamination when the soil is flooded. She said owners should send their water to a laboratory for testing.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality provides a list of certified laboratories that analyze drinking water samples. The Texas Department of State Health Services website also lists local public health organizations that may offer well water […]
Full article: Owners of private water wells should test well water after floods
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