Water Wells: Wells that have been completely surrounded or covered by recent flood water should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected and then tested for bacterial contamination, prior to being used for drinking and cooking purposes. If the water is cloudy, muddy or has a bad taste, the well should also be disinfected even if it was not covered by the flood waters. Call the Miller County Health Department at 758-3344 if instructions are assistance is needed. Some wells are not easily treated and the Health Department can assist in determining this. After a flood-affected well is disinfected, the Health Department will take a water sample at no charge for the home owner. Other wells will be charged a water sample fee (25.00).

Water can be purified for human use by boiling it for a minimum of two minutes (rolling Boil) or by adding six (6) drops of Clorox to each gallon of water to be used. Bottled water may also be used as an alternative source for drinking and cooking.

Cleanup in flooded dwellings: Clean up should begin as soon as it is safe to go in the dwelling. Remove all items that are holding water and moisture as this is where mold and mildew will grow. The goal is to get moisture content down in all items to 15%. In the past, it was recommended that carpet be removed and thrown away. However current information suggest that some carpet may be reused if cleaned and disinfected by commercial cleaners. This does not include household shampooers or even rug cleaners that can be rented at various locations as they do not have the cleaning capacity needed to clean flooded dwellings. Hardwood floors, roll vinyl and inlaid tile may be cleaned and disinfected with a solution of Clorox and water. This same solution may be used on any hard surface including counter tops, cabinets and walls. However consideration should be given to replacing walls that cover insulation as this insulation can hold moisture in the walls and create an area for potential mold growth.