Drinking Water Protection Program: Flood Recovery

After flooding, water from private wells may not be safe to drink. Private well owners should take steps to restore their private water supply. When a water supply well has been flooded, the water in the well may be contaminated with germs (waterborne pathogens) that can cause serious illness in humans and pets. If you believe that your well has been contaminated, stop using your well water for drinking and cooking purposes. Check with your local health department about other acceptable sources of water.

If you believe your well may be contaminated by gasoline, heating oil or other chemicals, do not use your well and immediately contact your local health department or the Department of Environmental Conservation Spill Hotline at 1-800-457-7362.

This fact sheet provides guidance on how to address possible pathogen contamination.