Hurricane Helene’s flooding raises concerns over private well water safety

North Carolina residents with private wells may need to boil or test their water after Hurricane Helene’s floodwaters potentially contaminated thousands of wells across the state.

Lisa Sorg reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

• Flooding from Hurricane Helene may have introduced harmful bacteria like E. coli into private wells, making the water unsafe to drink or use without testing.
• Health officials urge well owners to disinfect their water, test for contaminants and avoid using well pumps until floodwaters recede.
• Many residents remain without power, preventing access to clean water as private wells require electricity to function.

Key quote:

“Once people’s wells come on, there’s going to be a huge need [for testing].”

— Rory Mcllmoil, resident of Watauga County

Why this matters:

Private well owners face the challenge of managing water contamination without federal regulation, and floods can spread bacteria or chemicals into drinking water. Regular testing is critical to ensure safe water for those affected.