Owners of private water wells should test well after floods

Texas Well Owner Network photo

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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