Did Hurricane Helene flood or damage your private well in western North Carolina?
Participating local health departments have free well disinfection and well water collection kits. NCDHHS Division of Public Health assembled the kits for distribution.
On this page:
- Tips to ensure well water safety after a flood
- Where to get your free kit
- Using the kit and understanding test results
- More resources
Protect your health: Ensure well water safety after a flood
Excessive rain and flooding can contaminate private wells and make you sick.
Ensure your water is safe after a flood: Get your well inspected, repaired, disinfected and tested before use. It's critical you don't drink or use this water until proper disinfection and testing.
Lose access to well water due to Hurricane Helene? You may be eligible for FEMA assistance. Apply for FEMA assistance online or call 800-621-3362.
Where to get your free kit
Contact your health department for available times for kit pickup.
Participating local health departments include:
Don't see a participating location near you? Contact your local health department for well disinfection and testing help.
Using the disinfection and collection kit
Each well kit includes:
- Supplies to disinfect and collect a well water sample for testing
- Step-by-step instructions
Disinfect flooded or damaged wells before collecting a sample for testing.
Return the sample to your local health department for testing. You'll get results as soon as possible.
Understanding test results
- Use the online Be Well Informed tool (select North Carolina)
- Or contact us at 919-707-5900 or oeeb@dhhs.nc.gov
More resources
- How to Keep You and Your Family Safe During Flood Clean-Up (PDF)
- NCDHHS Hurricane Helene Resources
- N.C. Department of Public Safety Hurricane Helene Response
- NCDHHS Division of Public Health - Environmental Health
Related Press Release: NCDHHS Provides Free Well Disinfection, Well Water Collection Kits to Communities Impacted by Hurricane Helene