Flooding across Butler County this week may have contaminated private wells and home food supplies. Floodwater carries sewage, chemicals, and bacteria. Anything it touched has to be treated as contaminated until proven otherwise.
If your well was flooded
If the wellhead was under water, the water is presumed unsafe until tested. Pick up a free test kit at 1619 North Main, Monday through Friday during business hours. Until you have a clear result, use bottled water or boil water for one minute at a rolling boil.
Food that touched floodwater
Throw out any food that touched floodwater, including sealed containers with screw caps or crimped lids
A closed refrigerator holds a safe temperature for about four hours without power
A full freezer holds about 48 hours; half-full about 24
When in doubt, throw it out
Source document
This advisory relays guidance published by Missouri DHSS. The original is linked at the source rather than re-hosted here, so you always see the current version.
Questions? Call environmental health at (573) 785-8478.