Surface water from flooding can contaminate well water: health unit

Officials with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit are reminding people whose wells may have flooded to get their water tested.

Several rural communities near Thunder Bay flooded Monday after heavy rainfall caused water levels in the Whitefish River to rise dramatically.

The health unit's senior public health inspector said surface water can flow into wells and contaminate the water inside.

"Anytime there's heavy flooding, there is the risk of contaminants from surface water actually getting into the well," Abby Mackie said.

"It's better to be safe than sorry and have your well water tested."

Even if people think their well is properly sealed, it can still potentially be compromised if the well becomes submerged, Mackie added.

Well water testing is a free service offered through the public health lab. Residents can collect a test kit from either the health unit, or the lab at 336 S. Syndicate Ave., and return their water sample to the lab for testing.