FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oct. 21, 2016

Department of Public Health

Contact: Fred Thomas

Telephone: 910-433-3692

E-mail: fthomas@co.cumberland.nc.us

WellsSubmerged By Flooding Should Be Disinfected; Environmental Health Will TestWater

FAYETTEVILLE – TheCumberland County Department of Public Health Environmental Health Divisionadvises residents that wells submerged by water caused by Hurricane Matthewflooding are considered contaminated and should be disinfected.

Residents can disinfect theirwell, either on their own using guidelines from the North Carolina Division ofEnvironmental Quality, or by using a licensed well contractor. EnvironmentalHealth will test water after disinfection to ensure the water is notcontaminated. Wells that were not submerged may not be contaminated, butEnvironmental Health will also test the wells to see if they are safe.

“The Environmental Health staffis available to guide and help anyone through the process and we will doeverything we possibly can to ensure water from wells is safe to drink,”Environmental Health Director Daniel Ortiz said.

Environmental Health begantesting wells after Hurricane Matthew using emergency water testing kits fromthe N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. To answer questions about thedisinfecting process, or to schedule a water sample, call 910-433-3668 or910-433-3667. Environmental Health is located in the Historic Courthouse, 130Gillespie St., Fayetteville.

An online guide is available toprovide instructions for disinfecting your well yourself at the following link:

https://ncdenr.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/Water%20Quality/Aquifer%20Protection/GPU/Well%20Disinfection%20Foldout%2012-2009.pdf

If you would like more information about the CumberlandCounty Department of Public Health’s programs and services, health-relateddata, or community resources, please call 910-433-3600 or visit with someone atthe information desk, or visit our website at co.cumberland.nc.us/health.aspx#.Comments are welcome and can be submitted on our website atco.cumberland.nc.us/health/comment_form.aspx. The Health Department is locatedat 1235 Ramsey St. in Fayetteville.