The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County is urging private well owners to have their water tested after recent flooding. Heavy rain and storm flooding can contaminate private wells and create health and safety risks, the agency said.
If floodwaters reached your well, or if the water looks or tastes different, boil water before drinking, cooking, brushing teeth or washing dishes. Bring it to a rolling boil for at least one minute, or use bottled water. Do not drink well water after flooding until it has been tested, even once the water recedes.
The department’s Environmental Laboratory in West Palm Beach tests drinking water for total coliform and E. coli. The bacteriological test costs $30 per sample, and an official report is typically available the day after the lab receives the sample. The lab also offers sample collection for an added fee, including on-site pH and chlorine readings.
If a test finds bacteria, the well and plumbing must be disinfected. The department’s guidance calls for diluting unscented laundry bleach with 10 parts water, adding it to the well, running faucets until chlorine is detected, and waiting at least eight hours before flushing the system. Chlorine does not remove chemical contamination, so testing is the only way to confirm the water is safe.
Residents can call 561-822-4553 or email the lab for sampling instructions.
