The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is advising all private well owners to test their drinking water following heavy rainfall and flooding.
There have been heavier rainfalls recently experienced in northern Wisconsin and this can negatively affect drinking water quality.
Floodwater and runoff often carry bacteria and other contaminants that can infiltrate private water supplies, potentially causing waterborne illnesses.
Wells situated in pits, basements, and low-lying areas are particularly more prone to getting contaminated.
If well owners notice flooding or changes in their water’s taste, color, or sediment levels after heavy rain, they should assume water contamination and take action to fix it.
It is important to use an alternative safe water source and to stop drinking the well water, then disinfecting the well, preferably by a licensed well driller or pump installer, and lastly testing the well for safety before resuming consumption.
Even without visible flooding, wells can become contaminated.
The DNR’s webpage on Recommendations for Private Wells Inundated by Flooding offers guidance on testing and disinfecting private wells post-flood.
The DNR encourages private well owners to annually test their wells for bacteria and nitrates to ensure water safety.
The DNR’s Wells webpage provides additional information on bacteriological contamination and lists licensed well drillers, pump installers, and certified labs for water analysis.
