T.S. Debby Impacted Areas May Not Have Safe Water
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CBSMiami/AP) – Is your drinking water safe? It may not be if you use a private well and were affected by Tropical Storm Debby.
The storm may be long gone, but the Florida Department of Health suggests residents with private wells affected by floods from Debby take these precautions:
• Boil for one minute or disinfect any water used for drinking, cooking, washing dishes, brushing teeth or making ice. This ensures the water is not contaminated with disease-causing organisms.
• Use bottled water whenever possible, especially for mixing baby formula.
• Disinfect wells after flooding subsides. Use procedures available from local health departments.
• Have your water tested. Fill a covered cup or sandwich bag with water and take to a certified drinking water testing lab.
Skin contact with water contaminated by Debby does not, by itself, pose a serious health risk. However, the Department of Health advises residents in flooded areas not walk through waters if they have open cuts or sores.
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