Safety Report: E. Coli Detected in Residential Water Wells After Eastern Kanawha County Flooding, Kanawha County, West Virginia, USA

West Virginia, United States

The Kanawha-Charleston Health Department (KCHD) has reported the detection of traces of E. coli in a residential water well. Samples were collected by a member of the KCHD's Environmental Health Division from both private and community wells situated in flood-affected neighborhoods. On Monday, August 28, some areas of eastern Kanawha County experienced up to six inches of rainfall, exacerbating the situation.

E. coli, a common contaminant found in floodwaters, poses a threat to drinking water wells. Residents in these areas are strongly advised not to consume water from wells that may be contaminated or if they harbor doubts about their well's safety, to request a water quality test.

KCHD sanitarians recommend the following steps to ensure the microbiological safety of a well:
- Chlorination: Mix one gallon of liquid bleach (5¼ percent) with four gallons of water and pour the mixture into the well.
- Distribution: Run water through all water lines inside and outside the house until a slight chlorine odor is detectable from the spigots.
- Waiting Period: Avoid using water for the next 12 hours.
- Flushing: After 12 hours, run water from each spigot until the chlorine odor dissipates.
- Resumption of Normal Use: Continue using water as usual for five days.
- Confirmation Testing: Contact KCHD's Environmental Health Division at 304-348-8050 for a repeat test to ensure the absence of bacteria.

The KCHD is asking residents to contact them if their well has been exposed to floodwaters. Well water testing is free to any home or business in Kanawha County affected by flooding.

Source: wchsnetwork.com/e-coli-found-in-residential-water-well-in-kanawha-county/