The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is asking those on well water to find another source.
That’s because during a flood there’s an increased risk of contamination. That could come from bacteria or other contaminants carried along in the floodwater.
It doesn’t matter if you have a deep or shallow well. The health unit says anyone in a flooded area on a private water supply needs to find another source of drinking water.
That could be either a municipal source or commercially bottled water. The health unit says unopened, commercially bottled water is the safest and most reliable source of water in an emergency. If you do not have bottled water and are getting it from a municipal filling station or another municipal source, the health unit says you should take these steps to ensure the water is safe:
-DO use clean containers to collect water
-DO use food-grade water storage containers
-DO use containers made of durable, unbreakable materials (i.e. not glass)
-DO NOT USE containers that previously have been used to hold liquid or solid toxic chemicals (bleach, pesticides, etc.)
-DO NOT store your filled water bottles on the floor in order to prevent contamination from flood waters.