Many Peoria County water wells have been exposed to flood waters which can pose a public health hazard. Flood waters carry contaminants such as parasites, bacteria, and viruses from backed up septic systems and other sources. All wells exposed to flood waters need to be tested prior to use to help ensure the water is safe to drink.

The Peoria City/County Health Department is providing water well test kits free of charge to Peoria County residents with wells that have been exposed to flood waters. Test kits will be available at the Peoria City/County Health Department, 2116 N. Sheridan, Peoria, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m, Monday through Friday. Other locations for test kits are on the website at www.pcchd.org.

The water well kits test for coliform bacteria and nitrates/nitrites, and include info on clean up guidelines for buildings, instructions for chlorinating the well, collecting the water sample for analysis, and a shipping label with specific timeframe instructions for mailing the sample to the designated lab. The test kit is free; residents will need to pay postage for mailing. Results will be sent to the Health Department to interpret and they will notify the homeowner of the final test results, usually 7-10 business days.

After flooding, it is recommended to have your total system checked by a qualified electrician, well contractor, or pump contractor.