By Paul Schattenberg
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and others are offering additional free water testing for private well owners in areas affected by floodwaters from Hurricane Harvey.
Dr. Diane Boellstorff, AgriLife Extension water resource specialist, College Station, said water from a flooded well should not be used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth or even bathing until tested.
Additional free water testing for private well owners in various counties affected by flooding from Hurricane Harvey will be provided by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and others.
Boellstorff said floodwater might contain substances from upstream, such as manure, sewage from flooded septic systems or wastewater treatment plants or other contaminants. A septic system near a well also can cause contamination when the soil is flooded.
“Data from the well water testing will help us better understand a flood’s impact on private wells and help us enhance our communications relating to well water quality,” she said.
To help ensure well water in the affected area is safe, AgriLife Extension’s Texas Well Owner Network is collaborating with Rebuild Texas, Virginia Tech and others to provide testing for total coliform and E. coli in private water wells.
“Residents can pick up a free water sampling test kit from their local AgriLife Extension office or other designated location, but must be able to return the sample to their local office from 8-11 a.m. on the designated collection date,” Boellstorff said.
One sample kit will be provided per well, and instructions are included. There are a limited number of kits to be available for distribution as soon as possible from area AgriLife Extension offices. Samples will be processed at Texas A&M University in College Station.
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