CORALVILLE – As Iowans in the western part of the state brace for additional flooding predicted by the National Weather Service, the State Hygienic Laboratory is working around the clock to test for contaminants in drinking water from private wells.
“Our partners at the National Weather Service are forecasting additional flooding impacts from the intense weather system moving through Iowa and surrounding states over the next couple of days,” Gov. Kim Reynolds said on April 10. “It’s important for all Iowans to pay attention and be prepared for the impacts from this round of severe weather.”
The State Hygienic Laboratory is working with its public health partners to test for E.coli and other contaminants that may be present in private wells due to the flooding. The laboratory routinely performs this testing, but is expecting a higher volume due to health concerns from flooding.
Private well owners may request a testing kit from public health departments in their counties or may contact the State Hygienic Laboratory at 800-421-IOWA.
The State Hygienic Laboratory and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources have developed the following resources to help guide private well owners in flood recovery and routine well operation. Additional information about water quality testing is available on the SHL website.
Keeping Private Wells Water Safe:
[ Questions and Answers about Well Water ]
[ What should I do when my well floods? ]
[ A Homeowners Guide to Private Well Water ]
[ Flooded Private Well Recommendations ]