Update on Well Water Testing Resources in Western NC
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Collapse ▲If your well has been affected by flooding from Helene, it is important that it is checked for safety, purged, disinfected, and tested. Homeowners have many questions about how and who to contact to have their wells tested. NC State Extension does not have a formal well testing program but is here to provide you guidance. Federal, state, and local agencies are currently partnering to provide testing for affected wells.
NC Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health has issued this advisory and provided guidance on both well and septic system safety following Helene. They estimate over 300,000 residents in the affected areas rely on well water. Of note, homeowners who have lost access to private well water or septic systems may be eligible for FEMA assistance.
Well water testing is being provided by local county health departments in the areas affected by Helene. Each county is unique in the services they provide. If your well was affected by flooding, it is best that you contact your county health department to see what services they can provide and arrange for testing. The cost for testing at this time may be free. The DHHS provides a list of county health department contacts. Another alternative is to contact private certified laboratories for testing. DHHS provides a list of private certified labs here (note this list also includes labs from other states).
Some examples of notable well testing activities in western NC include a mobile EPA lab stationed near Asheville monitoring water quality that can provide bacterial testing of about 100 samples per day. See instructions about this specific well testing opportunity provided by Buncombe County.
The Appalachian District Health Department supports the counties of Alleghany, Ashe, and Watauga. They are offering free well water testing to residents whose wells were impacted by Helene. These counties are being supported by additional environmental health specialists across the state. They provide well and spring precautions and guidance, as well as form for residents of those counties to request a disinfection or test kit.
Henderson County Environmental Health is also working to ensure wells that were flooded or damaged during the storm are safe. Well water testing for the presence of coliform bacteria and E. coli will be provided at no charge for wells that were flooded or damaged once power is restored and the wells are disinfected. Details of the steps needed for Henderson County residents to request well testing can be found on this website.
General guidance from NC Extension for wells affected by flooding can be found in this NC State Extension factsheet: After the Flood: Inspect, Purge, and Disinfect Your Well.
Frequently asked questions about general well testing provided by DHHS can be found on the Division of Public Health Website.