Free Testing For Contamination Of Flooded Private Wells In OK County

The Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD) is offering free bacterial testing of water from private wells that may have been contaminated by flood waters.

The free testing is available to anyone in Oklahoma City-County who suspects that flood waters may have inundated a wellhead or infiltrated well water.

"We strongly encourage everyone in the flooded areas to have their well water tested," says OCCHD laboratory supervisor Brad Finkhouse. "Flood waters could carry a variety of contaminants and it is important that people make sure their drinking water is safe."

Water testing kits are available at the OCCHD 921 NE 23rd Street location.

The laboratory is located in room 105 and is open Monday-Thursday 7:00-5:30. Water well testing requires that you use a sterile container (provided by OCCHD) and that you appropriately collect 100 milliliters of water. Bring the sample to the lab within 24 hours of collection. Results will be available 48 hours after receipt and you will be notified by phone with positive results.

For questions concerning water testing, contact the laboratory at 405-425-4340.

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