ALERT TO PRIVATE WELL OWNERS IN FLOODED AREAS

The Florida Department of Health advises private well owners affected by flood waters to take
precautions against disease-causing organisms that may make their water unsafe to drink.
DOH recommends one of the following:
 Boil water before use, holding it at rolling boil for at least one minute before using it for
drinking, washing, cooking, etc.; or
 Disinfect water by adding 8 drops (about 1/8 tsp – this would form a puddle about the
size of a dime) of plain unscented household bleach (4 to 6%) per gallon of water, and
then let it stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy after 30 minutes, repeat the
procedure. Use a container that has a cap or cover for disinfecting and storing water to
be used for drinking. This will prevent contamination; or
 Use bottled water, especially for mixing baby formula.
After the flooding subsides:
 Disinfect your well using the procedures available from your local health department or
provided on the Department of Health at
http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/water/manual/floodinf.htm;  and
 Have your water tested by your local health department or by a laboratory certified by
the State to perform a drinking water analysis for coliform bacteria.
For further information, please contact your local county health department or visit
www.doh.state.fl.us or www.FloridaDisaster.org.
The Florida Emergency Information Line: 1-800-342-3557.


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