SALEM LAKES, Wis. — Residents in Salem Lakes impacted by recent flooding can now pick up free well water test kits through a partnership between the Village of Salem Lakes and the Kenosha County Department of Health and Human Services.
Village Administrator Michael Kostiuk said the free kits are available at Village Hall from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Completed kits can also be dropped off at Village Hall, including after hours in a designated drop box.
The announcement comes after Kenosha County, the Village of Salem Lakes and the Town of Wheatland all declared states of emergency due to widespread flooding in the area earlier this week.
Kostiuk said the village wanted to make testing accessible to residents who may have concerns about contamination after floodwaters impacted wells and private water systems.
Kenosha County Public Health typically charges for well water testing, with combined testing for bacteria, nitrate and fluoride normally costing $90. Individual tests for bacteria, nitrate and fluoride usually cost $35 each, while arsenic testing costs $36 for standard testing and $72 for rush service.
County officials recommend that residents with private wells consider testing for contaminants such as coliform bacteria, nitrates, fluoride and arsenic after flooding, especially if standing water reached or surrounded their well.
Samples must generally be returned within 24 to 30 hours of collection depending on the type of test. Nitrate samples must be kept cold on ice after collection, while bacteria samples require sterile collection procedures.
Residents can find additional information on water safety, testing instructions and well contamination risks through Kenosha County Public Health.
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5 Responses
No matter what, once water goes does, you’re Well need to be disinfected. Any easy process but should be done by a Well company if your not familiar with the process. Remember it’s not just your water but possibly the neighbors, be smart and disinfect.
If test shows unacceptable levels does you well get shut down?
What actually happens in Wisconsin when a well is flooded
Wisconsin DNR guidance is very clear:
Assume the well is contaminated if floodwater reached the well, or if the water changes in taste, color, or sediment.
Stop drinking or cooking with the water immediately. Use bottled water, a neighbor’s safe well, or boil water for one minute if no other source is available.
Disinfect the well and the entire plumbing system.
This is best done by a licensed well driller or pump installer, though homeowners may follow DNR’s disinfection procedure.
Test the well for total coliform bacteria after disinfection and pumping.
You cannot resume normal use until the test comes back absent for bacteria.
If the test is positive, the water is unsafe and you must disinfect and test again.
Nobody is regulating you, so your safety and your neighbors’ safety depend on you.
I’ve had to do it. Shocking the well is an annoying- but relatively easy- process. The annoying part being that you cannot use any water (cannot turn anything on) for at least 24 hours while it disinfects.
There are many more wells that need to be checked in Salem Lakes besides the flood water wells. Start with many on the board including the ones that just left and the crazy Trolls in Salem Lakes Kmiec, Capoopoo.