June, 2009

If someone’s drinking water well has had flood waters flow over and/or around the casing, that person/family can, and should request their well be sampled for bacteria as a minimum. They can also request samples be taken for various other flood constituents. To do this, they must contact their county health department who will either send a representative to sample their water or direct them to a private lab to have the work done. If the individual submits the sample, the sample needs to indicate that it is a “Floodwater Sample” as this will help avoid the normal fees associated with analyzing the sample.

Over 800 booklets and handouts have been distributed to folks in Mingo and Wyoming Counties regarding clean-up, disinfection of wells, etc. due to flooding and copies are most likely still available at several locations for pick-up. Pertinent information regarding the proper disinfection of individual wells prior to sampling is included. As sample requests are coming into the county health departments, questions regarding disinfection are being asked and homeowners are being told that proper disinfection methods must be done prior to a sample being taken.

Health department contact information:

McDowell County Health Department
Route 103
Wilcoe, WV 24895
Telephone: 304-448-2174

Mercer County Health Department
Blue Prince Road, Green Valley
Bluefield, WV 24701
Telephone: 304-324-8367

Mingo County Health Department
First Avenue and Logan Street
Williamson, WV 25661
Telephone: 304-235-3570

Raleigh County Health Department
1602 Harper Road
Beckley, WV 25801
Telephone: 304-252-8531

Wyoming County Health Department
Courthouse Annex
Pineville, WV 24874
Telephone: 304-732-7941

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