| · · · Disinfection procedure |
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Step 1:
Prepare the Solution:
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If you use calcium hypochlorite - (Note: This chemical is routinely
used to disinfect swimming pools) Dissolve 2 ounces (approximately 4 heaping tablespoons) of dry
chemical in 2 quarts of water. The solution should be mixed vigorously for 10 to 15 minutes and
then allowed to stand until all the inert material settles to the bottom. The clear liquid should
then be poured into a 5 gallon container and the container filled with water. The inert material
should be discarded. This will provide 5 gallons of chlorinated water to be used in the
disinfection of the well.
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If you use unscented household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) - Place
4 cups (1 quart) of the bleach in a total of 5 gallons of water. This will also provide 5
gallons of chlorinated water to be used in the disinfection of the well.
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Step 2:
Pour the solution down the well through the vent or cap. The pump should be pulled if possible to
prevent any damage to the pump. Also, the solution should be poured through a garden hose that has
been run down into the well. This hose should be pulled up and down as the solution drains into the
well.
Step 3:
This solution should then be followed by an additional 10 gallons of water disinfected
with ½ tablespoon of calcium hypochlorite or ½ cup of unscented household bleach.
Step 4:
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If the well pump was not pulled, the pump should be started and
pumped until there is a definite chlorine odor from the water. |
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If the pump was pulled, every part of the pump should be disinfected
with a mild chlorine solution (at least 100 mg/l) prior to placing the pump back into the
well. |
Step 5:
The chlorinated water should then be allowed to stand in the well for at least 8 hours and
preferably 24 hours if at all possible.
Step 6:
The well should then be pumped until no chlorine is present in the water. A bacteriological sample
should be taken and sent to the Mississippi Department of Health for analysis. It normally
takes 24 hours to analyze the sample from the time it reaches the MDH environmental laboratory.
NOTE: To receive the fastest results, these samples should be hand carried to the laboratory. If the
sample is shipped by overnight courier from one of the MDH county health departments, the analysis
of the sample will be delayed 24 hours. These samples should be taken Monday through Thursday.
Step 7:
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If the bacteriological sample is free of coliform bacteria, the
private well can be considered to be properly disinfected and free of microbiological
contamination. |
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If the bacteriological sample is not free of coliform bacteria, the
disinfection procedure should be repeated. |
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