Sanitize Private Water Supplies

This is WVU Extension reminding you to sanitize private water supplies before drinking, washing dishes, brushing teeth, washing and preparing food, or making ice.

Floodwaters carry organisms that can lead to illness or death. Disinfect all wells, springs, cisterns, pumps and pipes exposed to flood water. Use bleach containing 5.25% available chlorine.  Mix one gallon of bleach with four gallons of water.

Remove all debris from the reservoir. Pour in 2 ½ gallons of the disinfecting solution. Start the pump and open all taps until the water from each tap has a distinct chlorine odor, then close the taps. 

Pour the other 2 ½ gallons of the solution into the reservoir and let sit closed for 12 to 24 hours. Do not use any water from the supply for at least 12 hours.

After the waiting period, pump the water supply to waste until the chlorine odor disappears. Contact your county health department to test samples before using the water.

Note: Fresh water entering the supply may be contaminated. To insure safety keep a slight taste of chlorine in the water.

Learn more at your local extension office, or online at https://extension.wvu.edu/community-business-safety/disaster-preparedness/flooding