Private Well Testing to Assist Flood 2008 Victims

In addition to routine private bacteriological well water testing, the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory is offering private bacteriological well water testing to individuals utilizing private drinking water supplies that have been affected by the recent floods.  For those areas affected by the flood, normal state handling fees have temporally been waived.  Missouri counties affected by the flood can be found at: http://www.gismaps.fema.gov/2008graphics/dr1749/dec_1749.pdf

Water samples must be submitted as an Unofficial Private Water Sample and marked that the sample is being submitted for flood response testing.  Indicate that the sample is being submitted for flood response testing by simply writing the word “FLOOD”, or by affixing a “flood sticker”, on the sample collection form.

All standard Missouri State Public Health Laboratory protocol for the collection and submission of a private water sample for bacteriological testing must be followed to ensure a representative and acceptable sample.

Information and Instructions for the collection, packaging, and shipping of a private water sample for bacteriological testing at the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory is at: http://www.dhss.mo.gov/Lab/EnvBact/PrivateDrinkingWater.html

Order a sample collection kit at: http://www.dhss.mo.gov/Lab/OrderForm.html

Form for submitting an Unofficial Private Water Sample is at: http://www.dhss.mo.gov/Lab/EnvBact/Lab10C.pdf

Missouri State Public Health Laboratory courier pick up information is located at: http://www.dhss.mo.gov/Lab/EnvBact/FY08CourierStops.xls

Guidance for determining if your private well water is safe to use is at: http://www.dhss.mo.gov/BT_Response/Nat_Disaster/SafeWaterAfterDisaster.doc

Information on disinfecting wells and water sources is at: http://www.dhss.mo.gov/BT_Response/Nat_Disaster/DisinfectingWellsandWaterSourcess.doc

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services 2008 Flood information is at: http://www.dhss.mo.gov/BT_Response/Nat_Disaster/index.htm

Please contact the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory at: http://www.dhss.mo.gov/Lab/ContactUs.html if you have any further questions regarding Flood 2008 well water testing.