For immediate release: July 26, 2010 DNR RECOMMENDS CHECKING PRIVATE WELL WATER SAFETY IN NORTHEAST IOWA MEDIA CONTACTS: Russ Tell at (515) 725-0462 or [log in to unmask] DES MOINES-Private drinking water wells in flooded areas in northeast Iowa could potentially be contaminated and should be checked for safety. "Most important, if floodwaters overtopped the well and flowed into it, well owners should call an Iowa-certified well contractor to make sure it's safe to operate the pump and the well, said Russ Tell, an environmental specialist with the DNR's private well program. They can also help you determine what other work needs to be done so that your well stands the best chance to recover from the rain and flood event." Trying to operate a flooded well can result in electrical shock, injury or damage to the well. A flooded well also means the water is unsafe to drink. "Don't use the water for drinking, cooking, bathing or livestock until the water has been tested," he said. "You should find an alternative source for your water needs." Even if the well hasn't been flooded, it could be contaminated with human pathogens. If a private well is close to one that was flooded, contaminants could enter the unflooded well through the ground water. Well owners can contact their local county sanitarian or county health department for testing. Testing may be available at reduced or no cost under the Grants to Counties Well Program. If tests show the well has been contaminated, the DNR advises pumping the well until the water is clear, and then shock chlorinating the well. Well owners should flush the chlorinated water through all of the pipes, running chlorinated water out every faucet, toilet, livestock waterers and other points of use. Then the test should be repeated to ensure the well water is safe. Instructions for shock chlorination, a list of county sanitarians and more information are available on the DNR website at http://www.iowadnr.gov/water/wells/index.html. With the recent heavy rains and flooding in northeast Iowa, the private wells most likely to be affected are in the following counties: Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Clayton, Delaware, Dubuque, Fayette, Jackson and Jones counties. Karst terrain is common in some of these counties, allowing flood waters a direct conduit to ground water. "Depending upon how the well was constructed, the shallower wells located in karst terrain may be more vulnerable to contamination," he said. "If there's any doubt, you should test your well water. We recommend that all private well owners test their well water at least once per year, or more often if you notice changes in the water clarity or quality." - 30 - Karen Grimes Information Specialist DNR Communications Bureau (515) 281-5135 --- You are currently subscribed to econewswire as: [log in to unmask] To unsubscribe click the Unsubscribe link below, or send a blank email to: [log in to unmask] http://Membership.Lists.ia.gov/u?id=3554007.9177471942fb740df918ebf918a1a341&n=T&c=F&l=econewswire (click here to unsubscribe) If you received this message from a friend and would like to sign up for DNR Eco News Wire e-mails, please send a blank e-mail to: [log in to unmask] - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask] Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp To view the Sierra Club List Terms & Conditions, see: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/terms.asp