Health Department Advises Well Users to Prepare for Flooding

State health officials are advising individuals who rely on private wells for their drinking water to take precautions to prevent contamination during flooding. If your well is located in an area prone to flooding, it is recommended to contact a licensed well contractor to inspect and make necessary repairs to protect it from potential contamination. This may include fixing any cracks or damage to the casing, extending the casing above the expected flood level, and temporarily replacing the vented well cap with a watertight cover. It is also important to ensure that the grading around your well allows water to flow away from it.

In addition to these preventive measures, individuals should also stock up on clean water that can last a few days, and shut off power to the well pump to prevent floodwater from entering the plumbing system or home. If time is limited, covering the well with heavy plastic and securing it with electrical tape can help reduce contamination, although it may not fully protect the well.

If floodwater does reach the well, it is advised to assume it is contaminated and refrain from using the water for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth until the floodwater has receded. It is recommended to have the well professionally inspected and decontaminated if it has been affected by flooding.

For further information, individuals can contact the Well Management Section at MDH through email at health.wells@state.mn.us or by phone at 651-201-4600 or 800-383-9808. Additional resources can be found on the Natural Disasters and Private Wells page on the MDH website.