Private Well Safety a Concern During Flooding
FARGO, ND (April 11, 2011)-Fargo Cass Public Health would like to remind area residents with private wells to be cautious of the hazards that come along with floodwaters.
Floodwaters can transport disease carrying materials from barnyards, feedlots or sewage disposal systems into drinking water wells. Water from a well that may have been flooded should not be used for drinking until the well has been tested and found to be safe by state or local health officials. It may be best to use bottled water for drinking and cooking until your water supply is proven to be safe.
To have the bacteriological safety of drinking water analyzed, pickup test kits at Fargo Cass Public Health's water testing facility at 435 14th Ave. South, Fargo or call 701-298-6986.
After handling contaminated materials, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and uncontaminated water before touching yourself or anyone else, particularly on the face, mouth, eyes or nose. Do not touch or handle food and eating or cooking utensils until you have washed your hands thoroughly. Immediately report to your doctor or public health professional any diarrhea, stomach upset, sudden illness or infection you observe.
Children should not be allowed to play in floodwater because of its disease transmission potential. Some diseases associated with flood waters include typhoid fever, dysentery and infectious hepatitis.
For more information call: 701-476-6729. The cost of the test kit is $27.00.
