News Flash

Is your well water safe? Schuyler County Public Health wants community members to check on their wells and septic systems to make sure they didn’t get damaged in the latest flooding. If your water comes from a well, make sure it is safe to use and drink after flooding.

“If your well or septic tank was underwater, or if you notice erosion near them, you should get them checked out.” Schuyler County Public Health Director Marica Kasprzyk advised. “If your well was flooded or damaged, the water in it could be contaminated with germs that can make you and your family sick.”

She offered the following tips:

• Schuyler County’s Watershed Protection Agency can help you make sure your well and septic system were not damaged by flooding. They can also test your water to make sure it is safe. Call them at 607-535-6868.
• Clean and check your well for damage. Repair, regrade, and flush the well if needed.
  • For more information on restoring and testing your private well after a flood visit: https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/6562/index.htm.
• Be careful if your septic system was flooded. If the water table is too high, sewage could back up in to your home.
  • For more information on what to do with your septic system after a flood visit: https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/septic-systems-what-do-after-flood.