HELENA – Flood waters have the potential to introduce bacteria into ground wells and contaminate drinking water.
According to Harry Howell, lab manager for Alpine Analytical in Helena, those with wells in flooded areas should consider getting their water tested.
His company, Alpine Analytical, is one of three labs in Helena that can test for coliform bacteria, like E. coli.
Story continues below According to Howell, the water samples must be gathered within at least 30 hours before being delivered to the lab, however, and must be collected in a sterile bottle.
Your chance of getting more is there.
But once your flood waters have receded, then test it,” Howell said.
Once received, the water samples must incubate in a lab for 18 hours.
If your well is flooded, it’s best not to drink water from it.
Information provided by Lewis and Clark Public Health says wells can be contaminated even if there is no visible damage or the well head is not visibly underwater.
Energy Laboratories and the State of Montana Public Health Laboratory also provide water testing services.