News Release

Grand Forks, ND – The Grand Forks Public Health Department in conjunction with the North Dakota Department of Health is advising people with private wells not to drink water contaminated by flood water.

Any well that has been flooded should be considered contaminated. Until testing shows your water is safe to drink, boil it until it bubbles vigorously for at least one minute. Bottled water also is an option. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, cooking, making ice, washing dishes and brushing teeth. Continue to use boiled or bottled water until testing shows your water is safe. Because of special concerns for infants, use only bottled water to mix formula or canned baby formula that requires no additional water be added.

If chemical contamination is suspected, contact your local public health unit or the North Dakota Department of Health for advice. This would apply, for example, if your water has an uncharacteristic and strong chemical taste or odor. Use bottled water until advised by health officials that your water is safe to drink. Boiling water will NOT get rid of chemicals in your water.

For more information, please contact the Grand Forks Public Health Department, at 701-787-8100. More information about this topic and other flood-related topics can be found at www.ndhealth.gov/flood.

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