Heads up, Wright County residents: if your home or business is sustained by a private well, you may want to listen closely. Public Health officials are on high alert for the risk of flooding contamination in the area, warning that those who rely on these wells for their water supply should take immediate precautions. Citing the unpredictability of flood waters, authorities are urging well-owners, especially those in flood-prone zones, to take certain protective actions. Specifically, they're recommended to seal off their wells using heavy plastic sheeting secured with electrical tape and to reach out to a licensed well contractor for help.
The threat, while imminent, can be mitigated with quick and careful planning. Covering the well, with a simple but effective combination of a plastic bag and securement via electrical tape, could deter the encroach of floodwaters. Additionally, storing a supply of clean water beforehand and cutting off the well's power could save residents from a significant hassle. These are not suggestions you'd want to brush aside, especially considering the potential consequences of tainted drinking water.
Post-flooding phases are just as crucial. The Wright County Public Health message, originally published on June 21st, emphasizes caution, saying, "If floodwater reached your well, assume your well is contaminated. Do not drink, cook or brush your teeth until the floodwater recedes and your well water is tested for contamination." It's a stark reminder that safety extends beyond the immediate impact of the floods themselves.
There's also a precaution even if the flood doesn't hit the well directly. According to the same announcement, "If floodwater came within 50 feet of your well – but did not reach the well – Minnesota Department of Health recommends that you have your well water tested for coliform bacteria as a precaution." It's an important step, meant to ensure that the water supply, without it being obviously breached, remains safe for consumption and everyday use.
For those seeking further information or guidance, Wright County Public Health and the Well Management Section of the Minnesota Department of Health have made themselves reachable via email and phone. Residents should consider these resources invaluable, not just for immediate assistance, but for the broader aim of maintaining a clean and safe water supply in the midst of environmental threats. In times like these, proactive measures are more than preventative—they're a means of safeguarding the very essence of daily life.
