Private well owners in Minnesota are being advised by state health officials to take precautions to safeguard their water supply during floods. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends contacting a licensed well contractor to inspect the well and make any necessary repairs or modifications to protect it from flooding.
There are several measures that individuals can take to prevent contamination of their private wells during floods. One important step is to ensure that water drains away from the well. This may involve installing a sump pump or other drainage system, or clearing debris and dirt from the area around the well.
Another key measure is to shut off power to the well pump as soon as possible, especially if floodwater has reached the casing of the well. This can help prevent floodwater from entering the plumbing system and causing further damage.
If there is limited time to act, covering the well with a heavy plastic bag and securing it with electrical tape can help reduce the amount of contaminated water and debris entering the well. However, this should only be done as a last resort, as it does not provide long-term protection against contamination.
If floodwater does reach your private well, it is important to assume that it is contaminated and refrain from using it for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth until the floodwater subsides. Professionals should then inspect and decontaminate the well before use. For more information on how to protect your private well during floods, individuals can contact the Well Management Section at MDH via email or phone, or visit the Natural Disasters and Private Water Wells page on the MDH website.
