Private water wells in Texas test positive for contamination after Harvey

Nearly 60 percent of samples from 50 private water wells in Harris County tested positive for the bacteria sometimes found in feces, in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, according to data released Wednesday. The presence of total coliform, the bacteria sometimes found in feces but more commonly in soil and floodwater, was detected along with the more troubling E. coli.

Experts warn that residents should not use water from their flooded well for cooking, bathing or drinking until it is tested, because it can contain sewage from flooded wastewater treatment plants as well as manure, among other things.

The preliminary data, released by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, was analyzed after researchers with the Virginia-based university and Texas A&M University’s AgriLife Extension Service distributed free water sampling kits in counties impacted by Harvey to residents who have private wells. On the morning of Sunday, August 27, Houston Chronicle Managing Editor Vernon Loeb wrote in an email to the entire newsroom: "We are heading into a severe flooding emergency and everyone on the Chronicle editorial staff is activated." For the days and that followed most […]

Full article: Private water wells in Texas test positive for contamination after Harvey

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