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Montpelier, VT – The Vermont Health Department is offering free test kits for residents with private drinking water wells that may have been contaminated by floodwaters. WAMC's North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley has more...
Vermont Health Commissioner Dr. Harry Chen says people should assume their wells are contaminated if it was covered with water from last week's floods, if located near a flooded area, or if there is a change in either odor or taste.
The free test kits are being distributed by the health department's district office or town health officer. Disinfection instructions will also be provided.
Until a well is confirmed safe, water for human consumption should be boiled for one minute.
If the water has an oil smell, it should not be consumed or used for cooking, bathing or washing.
I'm Pat Bradley, WAMC News.
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