The Florida Department of Health (DOH) advises private well owners affected by flood waters to take precautions against disease-causing organisms that may make 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, brushing teeth, washing food, cooking, or washing dishes.
- 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 percent active ingredient) per gallon of water, and then let it stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy after 30 minutes, repeat the procedure once. Use a container that has a cap or cover for disinfecting and storing water to be used for drinking. This will prevent contamination.
- Use bottled water, especially for mixing baby formula.
After the flooding subsides:
- Disinfect your well using the procedures provided by your local county heath department or the State Health Office.
- If available, have your water tested through your county health department or by a laboratory certified by the state to perform a drinking water analysis for coliform bacteria.
For more information, contact us at 904-253-1270.