As flood waters appear, some local residents have questions regarding whether their water is safe to drink.
If you are using a private well for drinking water, flooded wells become contaminated with bacteria and possibly chemicals. Water from a private well that may have been flooded should not be used for drinking until the well has been tested and found safe. Use bottled water until advised by health authorities that your private well water is safe to drink.
If chemical contamination is suspected in your private well, water has an uncharacteristic and strong chemical taste or odor. Call 426-1600 or the ND Health Department, 328-2372.
If NO chemical contamination is suspected in your private well, disinfect and test flooded wells AFTER flood waters recede. Contact the local or state health departments for specific guidance. Until testing shows your water is safe to drink, strain well water through a clean cloth to remove sediment and floating matter, then BOIL IT until it bubbles vigorously for at least ONE minute. If boiling is not possible, you may need to use laundry bleach. Mix 1/8 teaspoon of household bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite with no artificial scent) per gallon of water and let stand 30 minutes before using.
If you are using drinking water from a city or other public water system, there are no issues at the present time. If that changes, listen to public announcements regarding the safety of your water supply.
If you become ill after drinking contaminated water, seek medical attention. Usual symptoms from drinking unsafe water include upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, cramps and headaches. Infants, children, the elderly, and those with existing health conditions or severely compromised immune systems are at greater risk of developing complications, so see medical care if symptoms do not get better or become worse.