Private wells affected by Storm Emma all over the country should be disinfected before using them to drink water. This is what the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are advising to private well owners.
“This procedure should be carried out once the snow has subsided,” said the EPA.
The EPA has published “Householder Information on Private Wells” which includes information on:
- Protecting your private well water
- Testing and treating your well water
- Concerns and complaints
- Further guidance and Frequently Asked Questions
“Advice Note on Restoring Public Water Supplies Following Flooding” is also available to water suppliers, such as Irish Water and Group Water Schemes operators, if supplies have been affected by flooding.
Disinfecting Your Well After Flooding
This method is for the disinfection of a well water supply, water storage tank, water carrying pipe work and hot & cold-water cylinders. Approximately 1,100 litres of water will be used.
Add 5 litres of a 1% w/v solution of Sodium Hypochlorite to 25 litres of water.
Any one of the following products may be used diluted in 25 litres of water:
- 2.5 litres of Milton fluid (or 50 tablets) or similar products with 2% w/v Sodium Hypochlorite or;
- 0.5 litres of Sterichlor or similar products with 10/11% Sodium Hypochlorite
Disinfection products sold for use on the farm will be acceptable for use in disinfecting wells. However, it is important to seek advice about their use and it is advisable to always use the products in about 25 litres of water.
The procedure is listed below:
- Pour half of the solution into the well.
- Turn on the drinking water tap in the kitchen and let the water run until there is a distinct smell of chlorine from the water. Then turn off the tap.
- Turn on all other taps and let the water run until there is a distinct smell of chlorine from the water. Then turn off the taps.
- Pour the other half of the solution into the well. Turn off the well pump and ensure that the well is covered properly. Allow to stand overnight or for at least 8 hours.
- After at least 8 hours reconnect the pump. Turn on all taps and let the water run until the smell of chlorine is gone. Turn off all taps.
- Arrange for the water to be tested.
The EPA warns that this method is only suitable as a once off shock disinfecting procedure and cannot replace a proper treatment system if your water supply needs continuous disinfection.
“If you have a filter or any other type of water treatment on any part of your system, consult your supplier before following this procedure. Heavily chlorinated water may affect the filter or the chlorine may be absorbed by the filter, rendering the procedure ineffective,” cautioned the EPA.
