The Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department offers the following information for individuals on private water systems:
If you have a private water supply do not use your water if it has become cloudy or the well has been submerged by flood or runoff waters. Pump the well until the water is clear.
If you need immediate water, boil all water for one minute. Place the water in a clean container and allow to cool in a protected area. Alternately, add two drops of unscented bleach to each quart of water and allow 30 minutes of contact time with the disinfectant before using.
The well water needs to be tested and found to be free of bacteria before the disinfection procedures may be abandoned.
The Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department is offering free bacteria testing of wells that have been subjected to flood waters. To get your well tested, call 419-774-4520.
Sanitarians at the Health Department are available to answer any flood cleanup questions you have. Call 419-774-4520.
For more information on cleanup after a flood, go online to: www.richlandhealth.org and follow the links. Additonal information is available on the Ohio Department of Health site at: http://odh.ohio.gov/~/media/ODH/ASSETS/files/eh/water/factsheets/flooddisinfection.ashx