News

Experts: Test your well water for bacteria if you experienced flooding this year

Health officials are warning residents who experienced flooding on their properties during the wet winter and spring to test their well water for bacteria.
The county does not monitor private wells.
Residents should test their wells now because recent record-high groundwater levels could have interacted with private underground sewage receptacles, said Doug Feldman, head of the Suffolk County Office of Water Resources.
“In general, if there was flooding, residents should contact a commercial lab and request the quick analysis for bacterial contamination,” Mr. Feldman said.
These microbiological home tests are available only through commercial labs and cost about $20. They test for E. coli bacteria, which are found in human and animal waste.
Mr. Feldman said an initial test will give homeowners a better understanding of the quality of their drinking water before they pay for a more detailed