Flooding and Well Water

Total coliform bacteria and E. coli bacteria are used as indicators of bacteriological contamination. The presence of E. coli bacteria indicates that the source of contamination has a fecal origin and there may be more harmful organisms present. If bacteriological contamination is present in the water supply after these storm events, you are encouraged to use bottled water for drinking, cooking, and other uses that may result in direct or indirect ingestion. Boiling the water rapidly for a minimum of one minute can also effectively disinfect water. Persons bathing or washing with water that has been contaminated with fecal matter may also experience an increased risk to health. Therefore, do not use the water for any domestic use until it has been deemed potable for human consumption.


Keep in mind that flood waters entering a well can change the quality of the water and introduce sediment, organic matter and contamination that could overwhelm a treatment system and render it ineffective as a safeguard to bacterial contamination.

In addition to the wells themselves, buried water storage tanks or other water system components can also be vulnerable to contamination. Seek the advice of a professional well driller, water treatment specialist or your local health department if you are not confident about your private water system's integrity.

Typically after floodwaters have receded, wells and storage tanks that have been impacted should be thoroughly flushed, disinfected and tested to ensure that the water is of safe, sanitary quality.

Connecticut Home Inspector
Connecticut Water Testing
Connecticut Radon Testing
Connecticut Infrared Inspections