Protecting Your Private Well from Flood Contamination: Tips and Resources from State Health Officials

State health officials are urging people who rely on private wells for drinking water to take precautions to prevent contamination during flooding. In the event of flooding, individuals should shut off power to the well pump, stock up on clean water and cover the well with a heavy plastic bag or sheeting to reduce contamination.

To protect their well from flooding, those in flood-prone areas should contact a licensed well contractor to inspect and make necessary repairs. This may include fixing cracks, extending the well casing above flood levels or replacing the vented well cap with a watertight cover. Ensuring proper grading to allow water to flow away from the well is also important.

If time is limited and floodwater does reach the well, it should be assumed contaminated and not used for drinking or cooking until it recedes. If a well does become contaminated, it is important to have it professionally inspected and decontaminated. For more information and assistance, individuals can contact the Well Management Section at MDH via email at health.wells@state.mn.us or by calling 651-201-4600 or 800-383-9808. Additional resources can be found on the Natural Disasters and Private Water Wells page on the MDH website.