Water Testing for Private Drinking Water (Wells) After Flooding

Governor Michael L. Parson issued Executive Order 19-05 declaring a State of Emergency due to flooding on March, 21, 2019.   As a result the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Missouri State Public Health Laboratory (MSPHL) is temporarily waiving the private drinking water handling fee during the declared state of emergency.

 

Property owners may submit samples from private wells or other drinking water sources for bacterial testing. Samples must be submitted in collection kits provided by the MSPHL. To receive an MSPHL-issued test request form, water sample collection kit and sample collection instructions, contact your local public health agency or the DHSS Bureau of Environmental Epidemiology at 573-751-6102 or info@health.mo.gov.

Floodwaters also pose additional health risks:

  • Floodwater can contain raw sewage and pose other risks, including infectious diseases, hazardous chemical exposure, and debris that can cause injuries.

  • Direct contact with floodwater can cause skin rashes, an infection of cuts or wounds or stomach illnesses including vomiting and diarrhea.

  • Downed or broken power lines in floodwater pose an electrocution hazard.

  • Sharp objects and debris, such as glass or metal objects, may be lurking in floodwater.

  • Animals, insects, snakes and other reptiles that have been displaced due to flooding may be submerged or hiding in debris in or near floodwaters.

  • Clothing exposed to floodwater should be removed as soon as possible. Exposed hands, feet and any other skin should be washed with clean soap and water

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