Wise, VA (WOAY) – Free testing is available for private, flood impacted wells in Virgina.
The Virginia Department of Health is offering free test kits for folks who get their drinking water from private wells impacted by flooding in Southwest Virginia. Any well submerged in recent flooding is likely to be contaminated even if the damage is not visible.
The free private well test kits are available to residents in the Cumberland Plateau health district.
To qualify for testing, the well must first be disinfected and flushed. The VA Department of Health recommends having a professional well driller assist with the process.
Once the process of disinfecting and flushing the well is complete individuals may contact the Tazewell County Health Department at 276-988-5585.
Well water impacted by flooding can have germs that lead to gastrointestinal illnesses. the kits include necessary to collect samples for testing for total coliform an E. coli. test results will only indicate if the well is contaminated.
Tests must be returned to the Tazewell County Health Department Monday through Thursday on the same day the sample is taken.
