What to Do if Your Drinking Water is Contaminated with Bacteria
Drinking water contaminated with fecal coliform, or E.coli, bacteria can cause health problems.
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Boil for one minute all water to be used for drinking, cooking, washing fruits and vegetables, brushing teeth, and making ice cubes, baby formula and concentrated juices.
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Look at the location and construction of your well to find the source of contamination and then fix it.
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Wells and springs should be isolated, preferably uphill from septic systems and other potential contamination sources, such as barnyards and pastures.
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Dug wells and springs should be made of concrete and have tight-fitting, lipped covers and sealed joints. Drilled wells should have casings that extend 18 inches above the ground, surrounded by mounded clay to prevent surface water from entering.
Learn more about drilled wells, dug wells and springs
How to Disinfect Your Well
Follow the steps below to disinfect your well if bacteria were detected in your water, your well was repaired (including replacing the pump), you installed a new well, or there is a hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg) smell in your water system.