WAS YOUR PRIVATE WELL AFFECTED BY FLOODING?

Floodwaters can introduce bacteria, sediment, chemicals, and other contaminants into private wells—even if your water looks clear!

If your well was flooded or you suspect contamination, follow these important steps to protect your household:

✅ STEP 1: STOP USING YOUR WELL WATER
Use bottled water or another confirmed safe source for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, and food preparation until your water has been tested and confirmed safe.

✅ STEP 2: INSPECT YOUR WELL
Check for damage to the well casing, cap, electrical components, and surrounding ground. If you notice damage, contact a qualified professional before restarting your pump.

✅ STEP 3: DISINFECT YOUR WELL
Once your well is safe to operate, shock chlorination may be necessary. Follow CDC guidance or contact a qualified well professional.

🔗 CDC Well Disinfection Instructions:
https://www.cdc.gov/water-emergency/about/how-to-disinfect-wells-after-an-emergency.html

✅ STEP 4: WAIT 7–10 DAYS, THEN TEST YOUR WATER
After shock chlorination and complete flushing of chlorine from your system, wait 7–10 days before collecting a water sample for bacterial testing.

📅 IMPORTANT: WATER SAMPLE COLLECTION & DROP-OFF

Archuleta County Public Health accepts well water samples MONDAY–THURSDAY, BEFORE 12:00 PM (NOON).

To help ensure accurate results:

🔹 Collect your sample the same morning you plan to deliver it.

🔹 Bring your sample to Public Health before noon, Monday–Thursday. Samples are not accepted on Fridays or weekends.

🔹 Use an approved sterile sample bottle and follow the collection instructions provided by Public Health.

🔹 Keep your sample cool (do not freeze) and deliver it promptly.

🔹 Plan ahead! If your 7–10 day waiting period ends on a Friday or weekend, collect your sample on the next available Monday–Thursday morning.

✅ STEP 5: WAIT FOR YOUR RESULTS
Continue using a safe alternative water source until your laboratory results confirm your water is safe to drink.

⚠️ IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Boiling or chlorinating water does NOT remove chemical contaminants.
• Wells can become contaminated again after flooding, so follow-up testing may be necessary.
• If your well has structural damage or you suspect chemical contamination, contact a qualified professional before attempting disinfection.

💙 Archuleta County Public Health is here to help our community recover safely.

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