Safe drinking water must be free of harmful chemicals and disease-producing germs. These germs can cause illnesses such as giardiasis, gastroenteritis, and hepatitis. When there is damage to a well or the well has been flooded, disease causing germs and chemicals can flow into the well water. The purpose of disinfection is to kill or inactivate all disease causing germs that may be present.
Chemical contaminants are more difficult to eliminate.
Consult the public health department for advice on dealing with chemical contaminants. The presence of coliform indicates possible fecal contamination and a potential health hazard. The public health department will test water for the presence of coliform, but does not offer testing for chemicals. There is a charge for the test. A test kit can be obtained from your local public health department office.