Tag: flood

Virginia Department of Health Offers Free Testing for Private Wells Impacted by Recent Flood

February 21, 2025

Environmental Health Contacts:
Brian Stanley, Cumberland Plateau Health District, 276-415-3370
Brad Stallard, LENOWISCO Health District, 276-328-1933

Virginia Department of Health Offers Free Testing for Private Wells Impacted by Recent Flood
Any Wells Submerged Due to Flooding are at Risk

WISE, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is offering free test kits for individuals who have residential private drinking water wells impacted by the recent flooding in Southwest Virginia. Any well submerged during the recent flooding event is likely to be contaminated, even if there is no apparent damage.

The free private well test kits are available to residents in the LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts. To qualify for testing, the well must first be disinfected and flushed. VDH recommends having a well driller assist with this process. For those choosing to disinfect the well themselves, all safety precautions and instructions should be followed using these instructions.

Once well users disinfect and flush their well, a free test kit can be requested by calling one of the following health departments:

  • Buchanan County Health Department – 276-935-4591
  • Dickenson County Health Department – 276-926-4979
  • Lee County Health Department – 276-346-2011
  • Russell County Health Department – 276-889-7621
  • Scott County Health Department – 276-386-1312
  • Tazewell County Health Department – 276-988-5585
  • Wise County Health Department – 276-328-8000

Well water impacted by flooding can have germs that lead to gastrointestinal illness. The kits will include the tools necessary to collect samples for testing for total coliform and E. coli. Test results will only indicate if the well is contaminated.

Tests must be returned Monday through Thursday to the nearest local health department location within the Cumberland Plateau or LENOWISCO health districts. Samples should be delivered to one of the available locations by 4 p.m. on the same day the sample is taken.

For those who have tested their well and need assistance in understanding the test results, visit Well Informed Virginia. For more information about specific concerns regarding private wells contact your local health department or a licensed well driller.

Virginia Department of Health’s Southwest Health Districts Offer Safety Tips for Private Wells and Septic Systems

October 4, 2024
Media Contacts:
Daniel Hunsucker, LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts, 276-328-8000;
Michael Whitaker, Mount Rogers Health District, 276-780-0109

Virginia Department of Health’s Southwest Health Districts Offer Safety Tips for Private Wells and Septic Systems

WISE, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health’s LENOWISCO, Cumberland Plateau, and Mount Rogers health districts want to advise those in the southwest region who rely on private wells for their water to consider their well contaminated if it is possible the well became submerged during Tropical Storm Helene. Wells that are more than 10 years old or less than 50 feet deep are likely to be contaminated, even if there is no apparent damage.

Floodwater can contain dangerous germs. Drinking from wells after a flood can cause you to become sick. If you  have any concerns about your well water, follow health department drinking and bathing recommendations.

Wells may not be a safe source of water for many months after the flood due to bacteria or other contaminants from flood water. Contaminants from agricultural runoff, wastewater from malfunctioning septic tanks, and other household and industrial chemicals seeping into the ground may continue to contaminate the groundwater even after the water was tested and found to be safe. It will be necessary to take long-range precautions, including repeated testing, to protect the safety of your well water.

To keep you and your family healthy and safe, please remember to:

  • Stay away from the well pump while flooded to avoid electric shock.
  • Do not drink or wash from the flooded well to avoid becoming sick.
  • Get assistance from a well or pump contractor to flush and disinfect your well before turning on the pump.
  • After the pump is turned back on, pump the well until the water runs clear to rid the well of flood water.
  • If the water does not run clear, contact your local health department or extension service.

After the flood, the following steps can help ensure your septic system is safe for use:

  • Do not pump your septic tank during flooded or saturated conditions as pumping could cause the tank to float out of the ground causing damage.
  • Reduce water use until the ground is dry. If sewage has backed up into the basement, clean the area and disinfect the floor.
  • Do not use the sewage system until the flood water has left and the ground around the septic system is relatively dry. Examine all electrical connections for damage before restoring electricity.
  • Have the septic tank professionally inspected and serviced if you suspect damage. Only trained specialists should clean or repair septic tanks as they may contain dangerous gases.
  • Be sure the manhole cover is secure and that inspection ports have not been blocked or damaged.
  • Repair erosion damage and sod or reseed areas as necessary to provide turf grass cover.

For more information, contact your local health department or you may contact the Cumberland Plateau Health District (serving Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell counties) at 276-889-7621; the LENOWISCO health district (serving the counties of Lee, Wise, and Scott and the City of Norton) at 276-328-8000; or the Mount Rogers Health District (serving Bland, Carroll, Grayson, Smyth, Washington, and Wythe counties, and the cities of Bristol and Galax) at 276-236-6127 or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov.