Source link : https://todaynewsgazette.com/2024/10/08/health/article14157/
Free Water Test Kits Available for Residents Affected by Hurricane Helene in VirginiaEnsuring Safe Drinking Water for Private Well Users
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is providing complimentary test kits to residents with private drinking water wells that may have been compromised due to flooding. Contaminated well water has the potential to harbor pathogens that can cause gastrointestinal issues, making it crucial for residents to verify the safety of their water supply.
What’s Included in the Test Kit?
The free testing kits are equipped with everything needed to collect samples, specifically targeting total coliform bacteria and E. coli. It is important to note that while these results will identify contamination, they will not provide detailed information on the specific contaminants present.
Eligibility and Requirements
These testing kits are available for individuals residing in numerous counties including Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Floyd, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Montgomery, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington and Wise counties as well as Radford City. To be eligible for testing services through VDH’s program:
Disinfection: The well must undergo a disinfection process.Flushing: After disinfection procedures are completed satisfactorily.
Residents who are uncertain about performing these tasks themselves should consult a professional well driller; however those opting to carry out disinfection independently must adhere diligently to all safety guidelines outlined in provided instructions.
How to Obtain a Test Kit
Once homeowners have successfully disinfected their wells and flushed them out effectively:
They can obtain a free test kit by either dialing 877-829-4682 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) or completing an online form.Additional collections sites include Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs). To locate your nearest DRC effortlessly navigate using FEMA’s DRC locator tool.Sample Submission Guidelines
Test samples need prompt submission from Monday through Thursday at designated locations which include nearby Disaster Recovery Centers or local health department offices within several health districts: Cumberland Plateau , LENOWISCO , Mount Rogers , or New River districts. All samples must reach these sites no later than 4 p.m. on the day they were taken.
For further details regarding this crucial free water testing initiative offered by VDH click here for additional insights into how you can ensure your drinking water is safe post-Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.
The post Storm Aftermath: Get Your Private Well Tested for Free by the Virginia Department of Health! first appeared on Today News Gazette.
Author : Jean-Pierre CHALLOT
Publish date : 2024-10-08 22:17:31
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