Melting Snow May Affect Wells and Drinking Water
Monday, March 6th, 2017 -- 8:02 AM
(Wisconsin Ag Connection) -Warming temperatures, snow melt, residual frozen ground and rain can create conditions that may affect private wells and drinking water.That's according to Marty Nessman, a water supervisor with the Department of Natural Resources, who says flood waters and rain runoff may contain bacteria and other contaminants that can affect water supplies and cause illness. He notes that wells located in pits, basements and low-lying areas are especially susceptible to contamination.
The DNR says disinfection and sampling is best done by a licensed well driller or pump installer. Any water supply system that has been submerged by flood waters should be pumped out once the floodwater recedes, then thoroughly disinfected and tested to determine that the water is safe.
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