Health Risks Still Possible For Flood Victims In Lake County

With flooding cleanup and recovery efforts well underway, the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center is reminding residents with private water wells and septic systems to take extra precautions to avoid health risks from last month's flooding. Floodwaters often contain bacteria or other contaminants that can cause illness. The water may have contaminated wells and caused septic systems to fail.

The health department is continuing to offer a free water sample analysis until September 7 for residents whose water wells were submerged or surrounded by floodwaters. Residents may pick up sterile bottles to be filled and returned for analysis at the Lake County Central Permit Facility, 500 W. Winchester Road in Libertyville. For more information on testing of well water, contact Environmental Health Services at 847-377-8020.

Many township and village offices in the county also offer the water testing kits. Residents can call their village or township to see if they have bottles available.

Health officials are also offering the following tips for those affected by floodwaters:

If the well was submerged under flood waters...

• If your well was submerged under floodwaters, assume the well water is contaminated.
• Do not drink or cook with the well water until it is determined the water does not contain bacteria. In the meantime, use retail bottled water for drinking and cooking needs.
• Flush the well and plumbing by running a hose (not to septic system) for an hour or more.
• Hire a licensed well contractor to evaluate and properly disinfect the well. A list of well contractors can be found at: http://www.lakecountyil.gov/DocumentCenter/View/18202
• Collect a water sample and submit it to the health department for analysis.

If the well was not submerged but floodwaters surrounded the well...

• Flush the well and plumbing by running a hose (not to septic system) for an hour or more.
• Collect a water sample and submit it to the health department for analysis.

Tips for residents on septic systems...

• If you suspect your septic system may have been damaged, contact a septic system contractor for an inspection and service. A list of licensed contractors can be found on the Lake County Health Department's website
• Reduce non-essential water use (showering, flushing toilets, running dishwashers, etc.) if your septic system shows signs of not working properly (sinks and/or toilets draining slowly, floor drains overflowing, sewage becoming visible on the ground outside the home, or soil settling around the septic tank).
• During heavy rains and flooding, septic tanks, aerobic units, lift stations, and holding tanks can fill with silt and debris. Fats may also float and plug the outlet of the tank. Your system may need professional cleaning after floodwaters recede.

Health officials are encouraging residents to ask questions if they have any doubts about the safety of water and conditions around your home. For more information on water wells and septic systems, call the Lake County Health Department’s Environmental Health Services at (847) 377-8020.

» Patch Editor Amie Rowland contributed

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