Residents' private wells may be contaminated after floods
If your private well casing has been submerged due to the recent heavy rains, McHenry County Department of Health cautions residents that their private water wells could be contaminated.
To reduce the risk of illness, water from these wells should not be consumed until tests confirm it is clear of coliform bacteria.
Bottled water is recommended for drinking, preparing food or baby formula or brushing teeth.
If coliform bacteria is present, the well will need to be disinfected.
Instructions can be found on the department's Web site www.mcdh.info.
Residents may also notice that their individual on-site wastewater treatment systems will not function properly because of flooding.
Septic systems should not be used until floodwaters subside.
MCDH will perform testing at no charge for flooded private water wells after flood waters have receded.
Sample bottles can be picked up at the department's Woodstock office or at these locations:
• Algonquin Township office, 3702 Route 14, Crystal Lake, (847) 639-2329
• Dorr Township office, 140 Newell St., Woodstock
(815) 338-0125
• McHenry Township office, 3703 Richmond Road, McHenry. (815) 385-5605
• Nunda Township office, 3510 Bay Road, Crystal Lake (815) 459-4011
• City of Marengo, city hall, 134 Prairie St., Marengo
(815) 568-7112
• City of Harvard, Police Department, 201 W. Front St., Harvard (815) 943-4431
• Richmond Township office, 7812 S. Route 31, Richmond (815) 678-0077
• Grafton Township office, 10109 Vine St., Huntley (847) 669-3328
Cleaning up after a flood can be overwhelming. MCDH also cautions residents about the dangers of floodwater contaminated with bacteria, viruses and other organisms.
Common waterborne illness symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms persist.
Parents should also restrict children from swimming or playing in flood waters.
To prevent the spread of disease, always wash your hands thoroughly with plenty of warm water and soap before handling, preparing or eating food.
Be sure to disinfect any food preparation surfaces that may have been contaminated by floodwater. Any food or beverage containers should also be carefully examined.
Flooded indoor areas (walls, floors, etc.) must be scrubbed with warm, soapy water.
Wash all linens and clothing in hot water, or dry clean.
If there is sewage backup in the basement, it can be disposed of by pumping it into the toilet, or floor drains if the drains are connected to the septic system.
Do not pump sewage-contaminated water into the yard or into the street.
For more information about floodwater clean-up and recovery, visit www.mcdh.info or call the Department's Environmental Health Division at (815) 334-4585.