Home & Property · Statewide
A Flooded Private Well Needs Testing Before Normal Use
After floodwater reaches a private well, use bottled or disinfected water until the well is restored, disinfected, and tested.
Published June 24, 2026 · Last verified June 24, 2026
If floodwater covered or reached a private well, treat the water question calmly but seriously. The New York State Department of Health warns that after flooding, private well water may not be safe to drink and owners should restore the private water supply before returning to normal use. DOH also advises private well owners to test water after floods or when water changes in look, smell, or taste.
A homeowner should use bottled water or properly disinfected water for drinking, brushing teeth, cooking, and washing food until the well has been assessed, repaired if needed, disinfected, flushed, and tested. This is not a reason to panic; it is a reason to avoid guessing. Your county health department or a certified lab can help with the testing route.
Keep the flooded well’s address, test result, disinfection details, and any notice together. Ask the office named for the private-well route what must happen before the water is used again.