Floodwaters threaten private water wells

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Contaminated private water wells will be a major public concern during the flooding now being predicted for northwestern Minnesota, state health officials warn.

“If floodwaters come within 50 feet of the well casing, your well will have to be pumped out, disinfected and tested before you can start using the water again,” said John Linc Stine, assistant commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Health.

Well owners who expect flooding may want to seal the top of their wells before the flooding starts to keep sediment and debris out of the well, according to an MDH news release.

This will not eliminate the need for disinfection and testing, but it can make the post-flood cleanup go more smoothly.

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