SIMCOE MUSKOKA - The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is lifting the drinking water advisory for those residents with wells no longer impacted by flood waters.

It is recommended after the flood waters recede, all residents with private water supplies assess their wells/surface water intake to check for flood waters and damage. There should be no flood water immediately surrounding the well.

The ground around the well may have eroded during flooding, possibly creating unsafe conditions or a pathway for surface water and contaminants to enter the well. In other cases, the electrical wires attached to the pump in a well may be damaged, risking electrocution. Well owners should exercise extreme caution approaching their wells, especially older, large-diameter dug wells after a flood.

• Flush the well of any floodwater.
• Disinfect the well and internal plumbing.
• Change any treatment filters.
• Check any water system treatment devices to ensure they are working properly.
• Take a sample of your well water.
  • If the result indicates your water is "safe to drink," you will still need to take two additional water samples to confirm your well water.
  • The second sample should be taken approximately one week after the first sample.
  • The third sample should be taken two to four weeks after the first sample.
  • If all three samples are safe, continue to sample your water supply three or four times per year.

For more information on testing your private drinking water supply or disinfecting your wells, visit the Ontario government page, visit www.smdhu.org or by calling Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 weekdays from 8:30am to 4:30pm.

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