Recommendations for safe drinking water following a flood

NEWS RELEASE

ALGOMA PUBLIC HEALTH

**************************
Flooding has the potential to contaminate drinking water with harmful germs that can make us sick.

Due to the recent flooding, Algoma Public Health recommends the following:

• If you get water from a well and had flooding on your property, the water may be contaminated. We recommend not drinking the water unless it has been boiled (1 minute rolling boil) or use an alternate water supply (bottled water) for cooking, preparing food, making baby formula, washing dishes, brushing teeth and making ice. You should test your water for bacteria. You can get sampling bottles at the Sault Ste. Marie lab located on 160 McDougall Street. Learn more about how to use safe water during a boil water advisory.

• If your water has been tested and it is not safe for drinking, we recommend disinfecting the well and not drinking the water until 2 consecutive clear samples 24 hours apart have been obtained. Learn more about how to disinfect your well properly.

• Do not try to pump septic tanks at this time, as an empty tank can become buoyant and potentially leak or spill.

• Be aware of the potential of sewage backups in flooding situations.

For more information on floods, visit our website or join the conversation on Facebook or Twitter.

Additional Information:

Boil water
How to chlorinate your well
How to take a water sample
Flooded wells and septic systems

**************************