by Aaron Burkhalter
Local flooding has put some wells serving individual homes and small communities under water, according to the Skagit County Health Department.
Environmental Health Supervisor Corinne Story said a well serving four homes was under water in the Samish Basin.
Elizabeth Reece of Lake McMurray said a beaver dam was preventing drainage of the lake, causing minor flooding in the community. No roads were closed, but some well heads were under water, she said.
Story advised home owners to sanitize their wells or have well water tested if the flood waters reached the well head.
Story said well-users can take water samples to Edge Analytical at 1620 S. Walnut St. in Burlington and must pay for the test. She said if well-users sanitize their water, they should wait one week before having the water tested.
The health department no longer offers free water testing in Skagit County. But Story said the department is trying to get water sample bottles to outlying areas.
For more information, call the health department at 360-336-9380. Skagit County also provides information about safe drinking water at its flood awareness Web page at http://www.skagitcounty.net.
