With the recent flooding we are getting a lot of inquiries about what to do when your well floods.
Here is a one recent question:
“We were flooded so I had my drinking water tested just in case the well was contaminated.
If came out that I need to chloronate my well due to coliform bacteria. I am looking for a company who can chloronate or install a chloronator for my well.”
We answered:
You might be able to find a local well or pump contractor to shock chlorinate and sanitize your well. Often they will do this type of well chlorination.
First read our guide on “What to Do If Your Well Is Flooded”
Make sure to test for coliform bacteria.
What If You Want To Chlorinate and Disinfect Automatically?
If you need to install a chlorinator, there are several choices including pellet feeders that feed chlorine pellets down the well, or liquid chlorination.
Liquid chlorination using chlorine bleach, and a contact tank to allow time for the bacteria to be killed, is often the safest and lowest cost method. Here is more information on those types of systems:
Chlorination Systems
Chlorine is a low-cost and safe method of eliminating odors and bacteria, and it works great in oxidizing iron, manganese, and other contaminants in water so they can be filtered out.
Although there are other ways to eliminate microorganisms and odors in water, chlorination is the most commonly used because it is low cost and effective. Often combined with filtration, chlorination is an excellent and cost-effective way to disinfect drinking water supplies, eliminate odors, and oxidize iron and other metals.
For easy and accurate chlorine injection we recommend a
J-PRO pump and solution tank system.
The chlorinator uses liquid chlorine bleach. The system is reliable, easy to install, very easy to use. It can be adjusted to get just the right amount of chlorine needed for the application.
The chlorinator can be adjusted so the chlorine levels are very low in the household (similar to city water) or a low-cost carbon filter can be installed to remove any trace of chlorine tastes and odors.
Contact Tank
By using a contact tank, the amount of solution needed is less and ensures that the solution being injected is thoroughly mixed and dissolved in the water.
Most importantly, a contact tank allows sufficient time for the bacteria to be killed after the chlorine is injected.
If your well has been flooded, it's important to take immediate action to ensure your drinking water is safe.
Flooding can introduce contaminants like bacteria into your well water, making it unsafe to drink. Below are some trusted resources from government and educational institutions that provide detailed guidance on how to protect and restore your well after a flood:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Protecting Well Water After a Flood
This CDC guide provides a detailed explanation on what to do if your well is flooded, including testing for contaminants and disinfecting the well.
CDC: Protect Your Well After a Flood
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – What to Do After the Flood
The EPA offers advice on well testing and the importance of disinfection after floods, including the use of chlorine.
EPA: What to Do After the Flood
- National Groundwater Association (NGWA) – Flooded Wells
This article covers steps to take if your well becomes flooded, including how to disinfect and test for bacteria.
NGWA: Flooded Wells
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension – Drinking Water Treatment: Shock Chlorination
This educational article provides an in-depth guide on how to properly chlorinate a well, including safety measures.
UNL Extension: Shock Chlorination
