Heavy rains in southern Wisconsin and the threat of rivers flooding are spurring state drinking water officials to urge private well owners to take action immediately if their wells become flooded.
Particularly in 2008, we had a number of wells that were under water and needed to be disinfected,” said Steve Ales, private water section chief for the Department of Natural Resources. “Generally our wells are constructed in locations where they’re not going to be vulnerable to flooding, but it does happen.”
Lists of pump installers, well drillers and laboratories certified to test water for bacteria can be found by searching the DNR website for “flood,” and clicking the link recommendations for private wells inundated by flooding.
Ales also said well owners ought to test their wells annually, or any time they notice a change in the waters appearance.