By Justin Walker
Communications Specialist
The effects of Hurricane Harvey are still felt along the Gulf Coast of Texas. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service encourages homeowners to test their private water wells before drinking, cooking or bathing.
AgriLife Extension, in partnership with Rebuild Texas and Virginia Tech, is offering additional free water well testing for private well owners impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
Dr. Diane Boellstorff, AgriLife Extension water resource specialist, warns floodwater may contain manure, sewage or other contaminants. The results from the testing will also help AgriLife Extension in future floods.
“Data from the well water testing will help us better understand a flood’s impact on private wells and help us enhance our communications relating to well water quality,” Boellstorff said.
Impacted wells are being tested for total coliform and E. coli.
Water sampling test kits are available for residents to pick up free of charge at their local AgriLife Extension office or designated location. Samples can be dropped off at designated locations on Dec. 13 in Anahuac, Kountze or Shepherd.
Sampling kits are limited, and there is a limit of one testing kit per well. Instructions for how to collect samples are included with the kit.
Water wells should also be inspected for physical damage caused by flooding, according to Drew Gholson, AgriLife Extension program specialist and network coordinator.
“If it appears damaged, consult a licensed water well contractor to determine whether—and to what extent—repairs are needed,” Gholson said.
Any homeowner with a private water well in the affected areas is eligible to receive the sampling kits.
Click here for information and instructions on decontaminating a well.