Living in a flood zone? Don't use well water, health officials warn

Even as floodwaters across the region stabilize, health officials are warning people living in flood zones particularly those who get water from wells to remain vigilant.

Hundreds of homes have been damaged by the devastatingfloods that have washed through eastern Ontario and western Quebec, forcing residents and volunteers to spend days filling and loading up sandbags to protect their communities.

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Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, themedical officer of health for the Eastern Ontario Health Unit, told CBC Radio's In Town and Outthat people living in flooded areasshould avoid drinking water from wells even if the waters haven't risen above the well's cap.

"Don't use it for washing, for bathing or anything. And don't use it for drinking as well, because we don't know what bacterial contaminants have gone into the floodwater," Roumeliotis said Saturday morning.

"This is a significant problem along most of the shoreline."

Here are the agency's top water safety tips.

• When floodwaters getinto a well, it's considered contaminated. Even boiling the water won't make it safe.
• Don't use the water for washing anything or bathing.
• Make sure you test you well water once water levels recede. The Eastern Ontario Health Unit will be offering freetesting, but not until the waters have fully receded.
• Stay protected when wading into floodwater to ensure no bacteria gets into any cuts to yourskin.
• Wash your hands with clean water and soap after coming into contact with floodwater.
• Be careful around the currents along the flooded rivers, as they can be powerful and dangerous.
• Make sure your tetanus vaccine is updated.