Public Health

Private wells that have been in contact with flood waters or run over the top of the well should be assumed contaminated.

Steps you should take before using your water:

• Find a source of water that is safe (bottled water or boil water by bringing it up to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute)
• Affected wells must be chlorinated before testing.
  • Chlorination can only take place after the water has receded. If possible have your well disinfected by a licensed well driller or pump installer. If a licensed well driller or pump installer is not available, you can use this resource for guidance: Well Chlorination in Arsenic Sensitive Areas.               
  • Test your water for coliform/E. coli from a certified laboratory. OCPH is offering free water tests for private well owners impacted by flooding.
  • If the test results show that coliform/E.coli are absent, the water is safe to use for drinking, preparing food, and personal hygiene.
  • If coliform/E.coli are present, continue to use safe water.
  • Have a confirmation sample tested for coliform/E.coli. Collect another water sample and have it analyzed to confirm the results.

Well Water Testing Frequently Asked Questions

When do I test my private well?

After a flood: Bacteria, chemicals, and other contaminants contained in floodwaters can enter the top of your well, seep down its casing or migrate underground to your well via a neighbor’s flooded out well. Such contamination can make your water unsafe for drinking, cooking and preparing food.

You should suspect contamination if your well casing becomes inundated; if you notice taste, color or sediment changes in your water; or if your well is shallow-cased and you are near areas that have been flooded. Wells in pits or basements are also susceptible to contamination.

Remember to test your well water at least once a year for bacterial contamination and periodically for other contaminants, based on the land uses in your area.

What do I do first?

Affected wells must be chlorinated before testing.

Chlorination can only take place after the water has receded. If possible have your well disinfected by a licensed well driller or pump installer. If a licensed well driller or pump installer is not available, you can use this resource for guidance: Well Chlorination in Arsenic Sensitive Areas.               

How do I collect my sample?

Please get a water test kit from OCPH before collecting your sample. Our staff will provide you with a sterile container and detailed instructions on how to collect your sample. 

Do not bring water to us using a container from your home. We will not accept the sample. 

Where do I submit my sample?

You can always submit your sample to Outagamie County Public Health at our offices located on the third floor of the government center in Appleton.

We are also offering a collection and drop-off site at the Village of Shiocton Town Hall from April 27, 2026 through April 30, 2026.

Address: Shiocton Village Hall
                 N5605 WI-76
                 Shiocton, WI 54170          

Grab a water sample kit or drop off your sample during the following times:

Monday, April 27, 2026: 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday, April 28, 2026: 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday, April 29, 2026: 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Thursday, April 30, 2026: 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM 

Please check this webpage for updates on how you can submit your sample.

When will I get my results?

Once you submit your sample to OCPH, you can expect a call with your results within 48 hours. Our staff will also send you your results in the mail. If you have questions you can call 920-832-5100 and talk with one of our sanitarians. 

My test was negative ("Absent"), now what?

If the test results show that coliform/E.coli are absent, the water is safe to use for drinking, preparing food, and personal hygiene.

My test was positive ("Present"), now what?

1. If coliform/E.coli are present, continue to use safe water.
2. Have a confirmation sample tested for coliform/E.coli. Contact OCPH to obtain another water sample kit. Collect another water sample and have it analyzed to confirm the results.
3. Take further actions if coliform/E.coli are still present. You should have your well inspected by a licensed well driller or pump installer. You may need to disinfect again or make repairs to your well or plumbing.

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Foodborne illnesses from floodwater - often contaminated with sewage, agricultural runoff, and chemicals - commonly cause acute gastrointestinal distress, including:

• Vomiting,
• Diarrhea,
• Abdominal cramps,
• Nausea,
• Fever

Serious infections like E. coli, Salmonella, and Hepatitis A may arise, with symptoms appearing days or weeks later.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms please talk with your health care provider.

Any food, medicine, or drinks exposed to floodwater should be thrown away.  

Use only safe, clean water.

For those on municipal water, follow local guidance before using water to drink, bathe or prepare food with.

If you suspect you are sick from a food or waterborne illness, please report your symptoms to public health using the form below or calling us at 920-832-5100.

DHS Food or Waterborne Illness Reporting System
The online questionnaire takes less than five minutes to complete. It helps local health departments, like Outagamie County Public Health, identify sources of contamination to prevent others from getting sick. If additional information is needed, public health specialists may contact those who report their illness. All follow-up will remain confidential.

For more information on waterborne illnesses, please see the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Waterborne Illnesses webpage.

For more information on foodborne illnesses, please see the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Food Poisoning webpage.

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It has been 3 years since the launch of the Fox Cities Mind Your Wellness Survey (MYWS) in June of 2021 and the publication of the MYWS Recommendations in November of 2022! Since that time, we have made progress. Community, organization, and policy recommendations from the MYWS report have been implemented and it's time to see what the impact is on adult mental health.

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