Flooded wells are a health risk
MADISON — State officials are warning residents with private wells to test them for contamination before drinking the water after heavy rains in southern and southwestern Wisconsin.
Officials from the Department of Natural Resources say wells need to be treated if they are known or even suspected of being overtopped by floodwaters.
Floodwaters can contain bacteria and waste contaminants that threaten water supplies. Wells located in pits and basements are especially susceptible to such contamination.
Officials say any water supply system overtopped by flood waters should be thoroughly disinfected with a strong chlorine solution or chlorine tablets and not used for 24 hours before flushing the system and submitting a water sample for bacteriological testing.
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