MONROE - The Green County Sheriff's Department and the Green County Health Department gave away 25 well test kits following recent storms.
Green County Health Department Director RoAnn Warden said her department gave away 20 well test kits. Green County Sheriff Randy Roderick said his department gave away five. The Brodhead Police Department didn't keep a record of how many test kits it gave away.
The kits enable homeowners to determine how much bacteria is in their drinking water.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reported earlier this month that homeowners should check their well water if the water becomes discolored, develops an odor or has any other changes. If the water does change in look and smell the homeowner shouldn't use it. Instead, water from a known, safe supply is recommended and the well should be tested.
According to the DNR Web site, dnr.wi.gov, private wells could be in danger of contamination from pollutants carried in floodwaters.
"Bacteria, chemicals and other contaminants contained in floodwaters can enter the top of your well, seep down its casing, or migrate to your well via a neighbors flooded out well," the DNR said.
The Web site suggests that if an area has been flooded, wells should be disinfected. A licensed well driller or pump installer should be contacted. Well owners can disinfect their own well and plumbing system by following procedures on the DNR's Web site.
To avoid contamination in the future, homeowners should have the well casing pipe raised to at least 2 feet above the regional flood elevation at their home.
More information is available at the DNR Web site at dnr.wi.gov or by calling the Green County Health Department at 328-9390.
Green County Health Department Director RoAnn Warden said her department gave away 20 well test kits. Green County Sheriff Randy Roderick said his department gave away five. The Brodhead Police Department didn't keep a record of how many test kits it gave away.
The kits enable homeowners to determine how much bacteria is in their drinking water.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reported earlier this month that homeowners should check their well water if the water becomes discolored, develops an odor or has any other changes. If the water does change in look and smell the homeowner shouldn't use it. Instead, water from a known, safe supply is recommended and the well should be tested.
According to the DNR Web site, dnr.wi.gov, private wells could be in danger of contamination from pollutants carried in floodwaters.
"Bacteria, chemicals and other contaminants contained in floodwaters can enter the top of your well, seep down its casing, or migrate to your well via a neighbors flooded out well," the DNR said.
The Web site suggests that if an area has been flooded, wells should be disinfected. A licensed well driller or pump installer should be contacted. Well owners can disinfect their own well and plumbing system by following procedures on the DNR's Web site.
To avoid contamination in the future, homeowners should have the well casing pipe raised to at least 2 feet above the regional flood elevation at their home.
More information is available at the DNR Web site at dnr.wi.gov or by calling the Green County Health Department at 328-9390.