Residents warned not to drink water from flooded wells

Lambton Public Health is encouraging residents with private wells to test their water supply as soon as possible if their well has been flooded.

Health officials say high water levels can allow harmful bacteria to enter the drinking water supply and make it unsafe for consumption.

Public Health Inspector Theresa Warren recommends using bottled water or boiling well water rapidly for at least one minute before use.

Once flood waters recede, she said the well should be disinfected and tested at least three times, at one week intervals, before the water is used for drinking.

Water sample kits can be picked up and dropped off at:

• Lambton Public Health, 160 Exmouth Street, Point Edward
• Bluewater Health CEE lab, 450 Blanche Street, Petrolia
• North Lambton Community Health Centre, 59 King Street West, Forest
• London Public Health Lab, 850 Highbury Avenue North, London

Water sample kits and the test for bacteria are free.

Samples must be dropped off within 24 hours of being taken.

For more information click here or call Lambton Public Health at 519-383-8331, or toll-free at 1-800-667-1839.