The Illinois Assn. of Groundwater Professionals (IAGP) cautions water well owners on the threat of possible contamination of their water because of the recent flooding.  Water wells subjected to days of standing flood water and especially if submerged are at high risk and should be serviced by a licensed water well contractor once water has subsided.  A water well professional will make a visual inspection of the well to determine the integrity of the well, take a water sample, and if necessary disinfect the well. 

“Water wells are potentially at risk of being infiltrated with contaminated flood waters especially if the well is older and has not received regular maintenance,” states IAGP President Larry Lyons and licensed water well contractor. 

As flood water subsides, the possibility of contaminants entering a water well is quite real especially if there is a crack or hole in the well casing or a opening between the annular space between the well casing and the borehole. Prior to 1995, grouting of residential water wells was not a construction code requirement. 

If a well has been subjected to flood water:

• Do not drink the water without boiling it first for several minutes.

• Have a water sample taken immediately after the flood water subsides. (To avoid human error in taking the sample, use the services of a water well professional.  Also make sure you get a report that provides a coliform count rather than a pass/fail report as it is a better diagnostic tool.)

• Depending on sample results, the well may need disinfection by a water well professional

• Call IAGP’s Safe Water Hotline 800-990-2209 for the name and phone number of a licensed professional servicing the area.