Disinfecting Small Amounts of Water for Drinking

Water from newly constructed wells, repaired wells and wells which have been flooded or submerged should be considered unsafe to drink.   Water from sources which have tested positive for coliform bacteria should also be considered unsafe to drink.  Such water should not be used for drinking until proven safe by bacteriological testing or by taking the following precautions:

1. Run the faucet until the water is clear.  If it doesn't clear, call the Marquette County Health Department Environmental Health Division at (906) 475-4195.
2. Either boil or disinfect the drinking water with bleach.  Boil the water for at least two (2) minutes.  To remove the "flat" taste you may cool and pour it back and forth between two clean containers several times.  Another simple method for making water safe for drinking is to disinfect it with household bleach.  Add three (3) drops of common unscented household bleach (active ingredients 5¼% sodium hypochlorite) to each gallon of clear water, mix and let stand for 30 minutes before using.
3. Continue to use these measures or a safe water source until you have received a water test result "not detected" for coliform bacteria.  Sterile water sampling bottles are available at our office located on U.S. Highway 41 in Negaunee Township next to the Michigan State Police Post.

For more information on this service, please contact:

Last UPdate:  24 January, 2007