MDH Warns Of Well Contamination Amid Spring Floods

ST. PAUL, MN — The Minnesota Department of Health is telling homeowners with private water wells that if floodwater reaches their property to assume the well has been contaminated.

Water from your well should not be used for drinking, cooking, or brushing your teeth until the floodwater recedes and the well has been cleaned, the MDH said in a news release Wednesday.

The warning comes as significant spring flooding increases across the state, including at the Mississippi River and St. Croix River.

Residents of flood-prone areas are urged to hire a licensed well contractor to repair any cracked casing or temporarily replace the vented well cap with a watertight cap or cover.

Yards should also be graded away from the well. "If you think your well might become flooded, store a supply of clean water that will last for at least a few days," health officials said.

"Avoid electrical shock. Do not approach a flooded well until it has been completely disconnected from its power source."

Check out the MDH guide for private wells here.