During Flooding

If your well is affected by flood waters, there may disease-causing organisms in your water making it unsafe to drink.

The Florida Department of Health recommends you do ONE of the following:

1. Boil tap water and hold it at a rolling boil for at least one minute. Let it cool completely before using to avoid burns.
2. Disinfect tap water by adding eight drops of plain, unscented household bleach (4-6% strength), per gallon of water. If a higher strength bleach is used (8.25% strength), only add seven drops of bleach. Mix the solution and let it stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy after 30 minutes, repeat the procedure one more time. If still cloudy after the second treatment, dispose of water and start the process over again, OR use bottled water.
   • Always store water in a clean, closed containers.
3. Use commercially available bottled water, especially for mixing baby formula.

After Flooding

• Learn about testing your well water by visiting:
  FloridaHealth.gov/environmental-health/private-well-testing/index.html

Find Out if your Water is Safe

Have it tested by a certified laboratory for coliform bacteria by visiting floridadep.gov/dear/florida-dep-laboratory/content/nelap-certified-laboratory-search