CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) – For people who rely on well water and experienced flooding after Tropical Storm Debby, NC Department of Health and Human Services issues guidelines to prevent borehole contamination.

According to the state, 45% of wells tested positive for bacterial contamination after Hurricane Florence in 2018. E. coli bacteria were detected in more than 13% of those wells.

To prevent this contamination, experts recommend turning on the power to well pumps only after the floodwaters have receded. If there has been major flooding, do not drink the water until it has been tested and contact a driller to shock chlorinate the well.

It is important to note that bacterial contamination cannot be seen, tasted or smelled, so homeowners should contact their local health department or county agency for assistance with water testing.

Experts recommend keeping bottled water for drinking and cooking until well water has been tested and confirmed safe.

Below are tips for preparing wells before the next storm:

• Fill the pressure tank at the well as much as possible
• Turn off power to the well
• For those with an aerobic septic tank, turn off the power to the system
• For wellheads that are not sealed watertight, clean the well casing, cover it with a heavy-duty garbage bag, and secure it with waterproof tape.
• Visit a nearby water testing laboratory for sample collection bottles and instructions if it is safe to do so.
• Find the log or well report created when the well was constructed and keep a copy in a safe place.

For a list of certified well contractors in North Carolina by county, see Here.

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