Flooding from last month's storms contaminated wells, according to Westport Weston Health District Director Mark A.R. Cooper. Pesticides, rust, dirt and animal droppings are among the many possible contaminants that flooding might have washed down wells.
You know it is flooded when the water is over the hole where the well comes out of the ground, Cooper said. If there is water there, you should presume it is contaminated.
The best way to decontaminate is super chlorinating the water. Instructions on how to properly decontaminate well water can be found on the health district's website. Wells should be tested for contamination at least once a year. A number of laboratories can provide kits and conduct the testing, Cooper said.
Most people never test their well after first drilling it. Even the drills themselves can leave oil residues behind.
I don't think anywhere in Weston you can drink water straight from a well and be totally satisfied with it, Weston Board Member Neil Coleman said. Most of the wells have some degree of sediment or rust.
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