Contaminated water can contain microorganisms that cause diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, headaches, or other symptoms…so make sure you disinfect all water before drinking it or using it to prepare food by:
Bringing water to a rolling boil for two minutes
Then let the water cool before drinking
Boiled water will taste better if you put oxygen back into it by pouring it back and forth between two containers.
*It is safe to shower/shave with unboiled water as long as the water is not swallowed*
Well Contamination
If the area around your well was flooded or if you suspect that your well is contaminated, you need to shock the well and flush well before using it. You should continue disinfection at the tap until the water is tested and found suitable for drinking. Contact the New York State Department of Health at 607-432-3911 for support with well disinfection. Well test kits are no longer available through the New York State. The following commercial labs will test water:
KINGSTON
Kingston Water Department Laboratory - 845-679-2216 - $35 fee
ONEONTA
Oneonta Water Lab - 607-433-3486 - $35 fee
