Health department reminds flood victims to check well water

State health officials are urging anyone affected by the recent floods to get their well water disinfected and tested. Flooding throughout South Central Indiana has caused harmful bacteria and viruses in many well systems.

They recently published a set of steps to follow for proper well disinfection:

--Isolate critical areas

--Turn off electrical power to the pump

--Remove well seal/cap

--Mix a chlorine solution and add it to the well

--Reticulate chlorinated water

--Bring chlorine to each faucet and then remove the chlorinated water.

Detailed instructions for disinfecting wells and water sources are available on the State Department of Health Web site at www.in.gov/isdh/20401.htm. Individuals can also contact their local health department for additional information.

Testing kits are available at no cost from the health department. Testing is necessary after disinfecting your water source.

After taking the sample it should be returned to the health department to be submitted to the state lab for testing. It cannot be over 30 hours old. You can drive the sample or mail it overnight for an $8 charge to the Indiana State Department of Health Laboratories, 550 W. 16 Street, Suite B, Indianapolis, IND 46202.

Results should be available within a few days of receipt and will be reported to the appropriate local health department. Cost for the testing is being waived by the Health Department through July 31.

Individuals can also have a private lab test their water. Cost for this is usually between $25-30. A list of private labs is listed on the Health Department Web site.