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Irma Recovery Alert to Private Well Owners in Flooded Areas

Published on 9/15/2017
by 
Last updated:  
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​This press release published at the request of the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County.

Flood Information Fact Sheet

The Florida Department of Health advises private well owners affected by flood waters to take precautions against disease-causing organisms that may make their water unsafe to drink.

DOH recommends one of the following: 

  • Boil water before use, holding it at rolling boil for at least one minute before using it for drinking, brushing teeth, washing food, cooking, or washing dishes. 
  • Disinfect water by adding 8 drops (about 1/8 tsp – this would form a puddle about the size of a dime) of plain unscented household bleach (4 to 6% strength) per gallon of water, and then let it stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy after 30 minutes, repeat the procedure once. If high strength bleach is used (8.25% strength), add 7 drops.
  • Use a container that has a cap or cover for disinfecting and storing water to be used for drinking. This will prevent contamination.
  • Use bottled water, especially for mixing baby formula.


After the flooding subsides: 


For further information, please contact your county health department or visit www.floridahealth.gov or www.FloridaDisaster.org.

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