Flooded Wells Should be Disinfected Before Resuming Water Use
LEONARDTOWN, MD (October 29, 2021) – Due to the recent storm surge, community members and businesses who obtain drinking water from a well that is not protected by a flood proof cap are advised to disinfect their wells if they know or suspect that flood waters have entered and contaminated their systems. The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) recommends that residents use bottled water or an alternative safe source until well disinfection and follow-up testing is complete. If residents do not have access to bottled water or an alternative source, their well water should be boiled for 3-5 minutes in a clean container before use.
“People who obtain their water from an individual well and believe that floodwaters entered the well casing should disinfect the well and distribution system. It is best to use a safe drinking water source until disinfection is complete and testing shows the water to be safe,” said Heather Moritz, Environmental Health Division Director.
For more information on disinfecting wells and step-by-step instructions, please visit: www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/drinking/private-drinking-wells.html
Community members may also contact SMCHD’s Environmental Health Division at (301) 475-4321 with specific questions about testing and well safety.