As hurricane season intensifies, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is urging residents who rely on private wells for their water supply to inspect their wells for potential contamination. The VDH highlights that wells may become contaminated if they were submerged during a hurricane or if there is any suspicion that submersion occurred.
Steps to Ensure Well Water Safety
Residents whose wells have been submerged should exercise caution. The VDH advises against turning on the well pump until the electrical system has completely dried out to avoid any electrical hazards. Once it is safe to do so, the VDH provides guidance on how to disinfect the well, which is crucial to eliminating harmful bacteria and contaminants.
Testing for Contamination
The health department stresses the importance of testing the water from any well suspected of contamination. Water from a potentially contaminated well should not be consumed until it has been tested twice, with tests conducted 24 hours apart, to confirm it is safe. The VDH provides a list of certified laboratories that can perform these bacteriological tests.
When in Doubt, Assume Contamination
The VDH advises residents who are unsure whether their well was flooded during a hurricane to err on the side of caution and assume it has been contaminated. In such cases, it is recommended to use an alternative water source until the well has been properly disinfected and tested.
Additional Resources
For more detailed information on how to handle a contaminated well and to access resources for testing and disinfecting, residents are encouraged to visit the VDH’s website.
Reverse Osmosis and Water Conditioners
For those concerned about water quality, reverse osmosis filtration systems and whole-home water conditioners offer effective solutions. Reverse osmosis removes impurities, including bacteria and viruses, while water conditioners help maintain overall water quality throughout the home, ensuring safe and clean water for all uses.
Source: Wavy 10