MONROE - Green County Health Officer RoAnn Warden said people who have private wells under water because of the weekend storms should avoid drinking the water.
"Wait until the waters recede and then sample the well for bacteria," Warden said.
There are sample kits to test water bacteria at the Green County Health Department, she said.
"If samples come back as having unsafe levels of bacteria present, it is recommended that the well be disinfected and retested," Warden said.
Information on how to perform sampling and well sanitizing is available from the health department or from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources site at dnr.wi.gov.
The Green County Health Department also suggested the following tips for people who are cleaning and repairing their flood-damaged homes:
• Carpet, drywall and other building materials affected by flood waters will need to be destroyed in most cases. Any porous materials that can't be dried in 48 hours should be thrown away.
• Do not rush to replace drywall and carpeting. The home must be thoroughly dried before installing new materials.
• If using a portable generator, keep it outside and away from the building. The exhaust or fumes from the generator can kill a person within minutes if inhaled.
• Wear feet, eyes and hand protection when cleaning.
More information about flood-related issues is available by calling the health department at 328-9390.
"Wait until the waters recede and then sample the well for bacteria," Warden said.
There are sample kits to test water bacteria at the Green County Health Department, she said.
"If samples come back as having unsafe levels of bacteria present, it is recommended that the well be disinfected and retested," Warden said.
Information on how to perform sampling and well sanitizing is available from the health department or from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources site at dnr.wi.gov.
The Green County Health Department also suggested the following tips for people who are cleaning and repairing their flood-damaged homes:
• Carpet, drywall and other building materials affected by flood waters will need to be destroyed in most cases. Any porous materials that can't be dried in 48 hours should be thrown away.
• Do not rush to replace drywall and carpeting. The home must be thoroughly dried before installing new materials.
• If using a portable generator, keep it outside and away from the building. The exhaust or fumes from the generator can kill a person within minutes if inhaled.
• Wear feet, eyes and hand protection when cleaning.
More information about flood-related issues is available by calling the health department at 328-9390.