My home was flooded and I am worried about the safety of the drinking water. What should I do?

Use bottled water that has not been exposed to flood waters if it is available.

If you don't have bottled water, you should boil water to make sure it is safe. Boiling water will kill most types of disease-causing organisms that may be present. If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle, and draw off the clear water for boiling. Boil the water for one minute, let it cool, and store it in clean containers with covers.

If you can't boil water, you can disinfect it using household bleach. Bleach will kill some, but not all, types of disease-causing organisms that may be in the water. If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle, and draw off the clear water for disinfection. Add 1/8 teaspoon (or 8 drops) of regular, unscented, liquid household bleach for each gallon of water, stir it well and let it stand for 30 minutes before you use it.

Store disinfected water in clean containers with covers.

When the water recedes and you have a well that has been flooded, the water should be disinfected and then tested.  Shock chlorination is recommended for contaminated wells.  If you suspect that your well may be contaminated, contact your local or state health department or agriculture extension agent for specific advice on shock chlorination and well recovery.

Sam Beattie, ISU Extension Food Safety Specialist, (515) 294-3357, beatties@iastate.edu

6/13/2008