MAYVILLE – Because of the wide spread flooding, the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services is reminding property owners who own a private well that they will need to take steps if it has been under water.
When a drinking water well has been affected by flood waters, the water within the well may be contaminated and unsuitable for drinking. If you believe that your well has been contaminated, do not use it for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth of making ice without boiling it first, or use bottled water.
Chautauqua County Health Director Christine Schuyler said that even if it is not still under water, a flood will leave warning signs that a water well may be unsafe. Debris and mud in the area of the well casing and water or mud stains on the well casing are good indicators that the well was flooded.
If you think your well has been affected, your water wells should be pumped until the water runs clear to rid the wells of floodwater. Once a well is running clear it should be disinfected before using it for drinking, cooking or brushing teeth. If you think your well has been contaminated with flood waters, you must disinfect it using standard household bleach. Directions for disinfecting a well can be found on the County web site.
For more information, please contact CCDHHS, Public Health, at 716-753-4481.
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