Flooding Can Contaminate Private Wells

ST. CLOUD -- Private well owners who have seen their wells impacted by flooding need to take some precautions.

The Stearns County Environmental Health Department says wells contaminated with flood water can pose health risks.

If your well is flooded, disconnect the power supply until the flood waters recede.

After the flood waters recede, disinfect the well with a chlorine solution, pump out the disinfectant and contact a testing laboratory.

Don't use the well for drinking water until tests reveal no contamination.