Keep wells safe during flood conditions

Sarnia, ON - Lambton Public Health encourages residents with private wells to test their water supply if their well has been flooded.

Recent high-water levels and flood conditions, caused by rain, could allow harmful bacteria to enter the drinking water supply rendering the water supply unsafe for consumption.

Vicky MacTavish, Public Health Inspector at Lambton Public Health, says "Until you can test your well water, use bottled water for daily use including drinking, making infant formula or juices, cooking, making ice, washing fruits and vegetables, and brushing teeth. Alternatively, you can boil your water rapidly for at least one minute before use."

Once flood waters have receded, the well should be disinfected and tested at least 3 times, at one-week intervals, before the water is used for drinking. The test for bacteria (total coliform and E. coli) and water sample kits are free. Water samples must be dropped off within 24 hours of being taken.

Water sample kits can be picked up and dropped off at:

• Lambton Public Health, 160 Exmouth St., Point Edward
• Bluewater Health CEE (lab), 450 Blanche St., Petrolia
• London Public Health Lab, 850 Highbury Ave. N., London

View the hours of operation for these locations online at: https://lambtonpublichealth.ca/health-info/sampling-testing/

Lambton Public Health recommends well water testing 3-4 times annually to ensure the supply is not contaminated. For information on disinfection and sampling procedures, visit www.lambtonpublichealth.ca or call Lambton Public Health at 519-383-8331 or toll-free 1-800-667-1839.

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Please contact:

LPH Media Inquiries