DAYTONA BEACH - The Volusia County Health Department recommends health precautions while dealing with flooded septic tanks or private drinking water wells.
In the areas where septic systems are used for sewage disposal, residents may not be able to flush toilets, do laundry, shower, etc., for some time. Until such time as floodwaters recede, it is advised that residents with septic systems that are experiencing flushing problems minimize their use of water in the home.

“We strongly urge parents to make sure children do not play in floodwater especially near submerged septic systems,” said Chuck Luther, Environmental Health administrator for the Volusia County Health Department. “Along with bacteria and virus contamination, there may also be chemicals from storm water runoff, snakes, or other unseen hazards in the floodwater.”

Residents are advised to not use the water from flooded or nearly flooded wells, especially if there is a nearby flooded septic tank. If the well pumps discolored water or water with unusual taste, the water should not be used for drinking purposes.

Water from wells, in which the casings have been submerged, should not be used until after the floodwater has receded and the well has been tested and found to be safe for drinking water purposes.

When well water is questionable, residents should use bottled water or boiled water for consumptive purposes.

SAFE WATER TIPS

• Boil water vigorously for at least one minute before using it for drinking, washing, cooking, etc.
• Disinfect water by adding 8 drops (about 1/8 tsp – this would form a puddle about the size of a dime) of plain, unscented household bleach per gallon of water, and then let it stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy after 30 minutes, repeat the procedure. Use a container that has a cap or cover for disinfecting and storing water to be used for drinking. This will prevent contamination.
• Use bottled water, especially for mixing baby formula.

The health department is offering water sample bags for homeowners on private wells where the floodwater has receded.

Bacteriological testing can be done by a private certified laboratory or the Volusia County Environmental Health Laboratory, at a cost of $20.00 per sample.

The $20.00 fee will be waived for Volusia County homeowners who have been impacted by Tropical Storm Fay.

For information on availability of bacteriological testing, call the Volusia County Health Department Laboratory at (386) 248-1781 or your nearest Environmental Health office in:

Daytona - (386) 274-0692
DeLand - (386) 822-6250
Orange City - (386) 775-5289
New Smyrna Beach - (386) 424-2061

For further information go to: http://www.volusiahealth.com/eh/water_wise/wells.html