State urges private well owners to test water after Helene flooding

Following severe flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, state officials are urging private well owners to test their water for harmful bacteria and chemicals. 

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services estimates over 300,000 state residents living in storm-impacted areas depend on private wells for water. Even more have septic systems. 

After a flood, wells and septic systems can be physically damaged or infected with harmful chemicals and bacteria. 

According to NCDHHS, following Hurricane Florence, about 45% of wells tested by the state were found to contain some type of bacterial contamination. 

Until residents can get their water tested and wells repaired, the state recommends boiling water or using bottled water. 

Residents whose septic systems or wells were damaged may be eligible for financial assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. 

To apply, visit disasterassistance.gov. 

Santiago Ochoa covers healthcare for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. Follow him on X and Instagram: @santi8a98