Southern 7 Health Department urges residents to test well water after flooding

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (KBSI) – Following recent flooding in the region, the Southern 7 Health Department’s Environmental Health Services division is advising residents with water wells to have their water supply tested for possible contamination.

Potential Contamination Risks

The Illinois Department of Public Health notes that poorly built or maintained wells can allow surface contamination to enter the well, and groundwater sources may be contaminated by various sources.

Some contaminants can harm human health and can only be detected through laboratory testing.

Residents are encouraged to test their well water if:

• There are known problems with well water in the area.
• Flooding, land disturbance, or waste disposal issues have occurred near the well.
• Repairs or replacements have been made to the well system.
• Changes are noticed in the taste, color, or smell of the water.

Residents can purchase a test kit from the Southern 7 Health Department for $20 or arrange for a sanitarian to collect a sample for $50.

The test will check for E. coli and Coliform. A sanitarian will contact residents with their results and provide information on disinfecting the well if necessary.

For questions or to arrange testing, contact Miranda Adams, Southern 7 Environmental Health Director, at (618) 634-2297 ext. 973114 or madams@s7hd.org.