Politics & Government

County Warnings: Boil Well Water, Avoid Swimming or Fishing in Schuylkill, Creeks

Flooding from Hurricane Irene could otherwise pose health risks, the Montgomery County Health Department said.

With flooding in basements and creeks still a concern after Hurricane Irene, the Montgomery County Health Department is warning residents to be cautious with their well water and to avoid any kind of recreation in flooded bodies of water for now.

In one alert on its website, the department urged residents to boil well water, which may have been covered in contaminated flood water, for two to five minutes before consuming it.

Well owners also should inspect wells after the flood waters recede and not consume well water directly until is has been tested and/or chlorinated, according to the department. Health officials will perform bacteria tests for free if contacted at 610-278-5117.

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In another alert, the department recommended that residents not go boating, swimming or fishing or take their pets in flooded creeks and rivers that could be tainted by sewage or chemicals. (The Reading Eagle reported the city of Reading was dumping untreated sewage in the Schuylkill River after a pipe burst.)

Those who cannot avoid touching flood water while cleaning up from the storm should wear disposable gloves, according to the department.

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