(Martin County, FL) The Florida Department of Health is offering tips to residents who are cleaning up after this weekend’s heavy rainfall.

• Flooding may have made well water unsafe to drink, if flood waters covered the well. Until the well can be disinfected, boil or disinfect all well water used for drinking, making ice, cooking, washing dishes, washing wounds or brushing teeth.

Bring well water to a rolling boil for one minute and cool before use. Common unscented household bleach (4 to 6 percent active ingredient) can be used effectively as a chlorine disinfectant. Disinfect the water by adding 8 drops (about 1/8 teaspoon) of unscented household bleach per gallon of water, and then let it stand for 30 minutes. Repeat the procedure if the water is still cloudy.

• More information about disinfecting a well can be found on the health department website at www.MartinCountyHealth.com or calling 772-221-4090. The Health Department can also provide information on state certified labs that provide well water testing.
• To prevent mold growth, remove and discard any items that came in contact with flood waters and cannot be cleaned and dried such as drywall and insulation.
• When possible, drain any standing water around homes to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
• Do not allow children to play in flood waters. Flood water may be contaminated with fecal matter from overflowing septic systems or sewers.
• Be alert to and avoid contact with wildlife, such as snakes, that may have been displaced by the storm.

More information can be found at www.MartinCountyHealth.com