Lambton Public Health is encouraging residents with private wells to test their water supply if their well has been flooded after yesterdays heavy rain.
Public health says up to 100mm of rain fell in some places.
Localized flooding is occurring at low lying areas, mostly in floodplain, agricultural, and parkland areas.
These high levels of rain could result in harmful bacteria and that could make well water unsafe to drink.
Public health suggests using bottled water for drinking and cooking until you can have your well tested. Or you can boil your tap water for a full minute
Once flood waters have receded, the well should be disinfected and tested at least 3 times, at one-week intervals, before the water is used for drinking. The test for bacteria (total coliform and E. coli) and water sample kits are free. Water samples must be dropped off within 24 hours of being taken.
You can get test kits at
• Lambton Public Health, 160 Exmouth St., Point Edward

• Bluewater Health CEE (lab), 450 Blanche St., Petrolia
• London Public Health Lab, 850 Highbury Ave. N., London