Free testing offered for private wells flooded by storm

If your private well casing was submerged in the recent heavy rains, McHenry County Department of Health cautions residents that those private water wells could be contaminated.

To reduce the risk of illness, water from flooded private water wells should not be consumed until tests confirm it is clear of coliform bacteria.

The McHenry County Department of Health will perform testing at no charge for flooded private water wells after flood waters have receded.

Sample bottles can be picked up at Department's Woodstock office or the following locations:

• Algonquin Townships 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 South Route 31, Richmond (815) 678-0077

• Grafton Township Office, 10109 Vine St., Huntley, (847) 669-3328.

In the meantime, it is recommended that bottled water be used 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.

People who come in contact with floodwater should make sure their tetanus shots are up to date. If you experience a puncture wound or deep cut in floodwater clean-up, your tetanus shot should have been within the past five to seven years.

The McHenry County Department of Health will provide tetanus shots by appointment at (815) 334-4500.

For more information on floodwater clean up and recovery, call the department's Environmental Health Division at (815) 334-4585 or visit Web site www.mcdh.info.