Residents in certain areas of Wisconsin can obtain free water testing kits from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as a result of concerns that some (or many) wells may have gotten contaminated during recent periods of flooding.

Health officials pretty much worldwide suggest testing the quality of well water after the tops of wells get covered with flood water due to the likelihood of flood water carrying a plethora of potentially harmful bacteria (i.e. coliform bacteria) and other contaminants (i.e. atrazine & simazine), heavy metals like lead, VOC’s, nitrates/nitrites, etc.).

Area officials are encouraging homeowners and landowners whose wells may have been compromised by flooding to test their water for contaminants.

“Typically, we find that we have wells that have been (covered) by floodwaters — you absolutely have to have it tested,” said Dan Baumann, regional water program manager with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

“The best precaution is to have your well water tested if you feel it’s been compromised by flooding.”

Baumann said wells in floodplain areas are of particular concern because there likely is a host of bacteria and contaminants in the water, which can cause illness. But the DNR’s blanket recommendation is to acquire a test kit if a well’s casing had water flow over it, regardless of location. ( source )

For water sample test kits call Public Health at 715.284.4301 ext. 385 or the Zoning Department at 715.284.0220. For folks not located in areas affected by the flooding in Wisconsin and/or folks who live in other States, you have the option of picking up test kits on your own from reputable test kit manufacturers such as SenSafe and WaterSafe

If your concern lies strictly with bacteriological contamination of well water,

Residents with private wells should definitely test their water to monitor its quality. Private well owners are solely responsible for the safety of their wells and any recommended testing. A laboratory analysis of your water supply will provide you with the information needed to take immediate and long-term corrective measures, if necessary, to provide a suitable and safe water supply. ( source )

So… What about when Mother Nature’s fury finds it way to your doorstep? What then?

No one in their right mind would argue in favor of having a terrible storm which rips trees out by the roots and dumps several inches of water on an area in a very short period of time — but storms like those happen all the time and when they do, people in the affected areas often go without potable (fit for human consumption) drinking water for a long while.

Anytime an area gets flooded, the wastewater in the sewers and sewage from leach fields has an opportunity to become part of the surface water. That means all surface water poses a risk to human health if not properly treated before use.

Ah, but well water comes from aquifers sometimes hundreds of feet below ground so it should pose no danger to humans, right? Wrong. If the well’s structure has even the slightest crack in it, and this includes all the seals at the top of the well AND the well casing running all the way down to the underground water source. The smallest opening serves as the perfect introduction point for harmful bacteria and/or other pollutants.

So remember, it’s your well and your responsibility to make certain it produces safe, potable water during times of calm weather and definitely following periods of bad weather, intense storms and flooding.

You should always opt for certified laboratory analysis after bad weather but in times of dire need, or between regularly scheduled (annual testing is suggested) well water tests, you may want to consider using an at-home test test kit for drinking water.

Let’s face it: If flood waters prevent you from getting to safety and/or rescuers carrying fresh water from getting to you, an at-home drinking water test kit may make the difference between dehydration, disease, death… and survival.

Bacteria Check for Drinking Water

Water Quality Test Kit for Drinking Water