Water

Watch your well...because it, too, can be flooded.

If you see water around or in your well, it's probably flooded. Take steps to disinfect it, or contact a well contractor or driller to disinfect it after the floodwaters recede. Use water from a safe public water supply, or bottled water, until your well has been disinfected.

Remember, many older wells are located in well pits that can flood after a heavy rain even if the surrounding area is not flooded.

If you choose to disinfect your own well, be prepared to:

• Open outside faucets until water runs clear.
• Turn off the electric power to the pump, and remove the well cap.
• Prepare a solution of bleach and water. Let it sit for a half hour; then pour the entire mixture into the top of the well. The ratio of bleach to water can vary depending on the size and depth of your well. Contact your local health department of Extention office for more details.
• Recirculate the water by connecting a hose to a faucet and spraying the water back into the well for at least 15 minutes.
• Open every cold-water faucet in the system, and let the cold water run until the smell of chlorine can be detected. Then run the hot and cold water until clear. Close all faucets, and seal the top of the well.
• Let the chlorinated water stand in the system for several hours, preferably overnight.
• The next day, turn on all the faucets, and continue running the water until all odor of chlorine disappears.

A more complete guide to disinfecting wells is available here .(This link will take you to a new site.)

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