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Home My WebLink AboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 2009-01-07, Page 19Goderich Signal -Star, Wednesday, January 7, 2009 -Page Al 7 Flooding and runoff can lead to contaminated well water With higher temperatures and heavy rainfall in our area, the Huron County Health Unit reminds you to take good care of your well water. Public Health Inspector Bob Worsell says well owners should be testing their water now. "Wells in low-lying,. flood -prone areas are at risk for con- tamination. from surface runoff," says Worsell. Runoff comes from rain and melting snow. . Dug wells, well pits and well casings without a proper seal are most at risk. Well water that has an odour, is dis- coloured or has an off taste should not be consumed or used for food prepara- tion. Even water that is clear and odour- less needs to be tested to ensure it is safe. Whenever you are unsure about the safety of your well water, you should boil the water for at least one minute before using it for drinking and food preparation. Or you can use bottled water until a water test confirms a safe water supply. The Health Unit recommends sam- pling your well at least three times per year. In addition you should sample more often after heavy rainfall and flooding. Only by regular sampling for bacte- ria can you be sure your well water is safe. Water sample kits may be picked up and dropped off at the Huron County Health Unit near Clinton, South Huron Hospital in Exeter, Seaforth Hospital, Wingham Hospital, and the Huron County Court House in Goderich. The tests are free but must be dropped off within 24 hours of being taken. Sample only cold water and keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to drop it off. Transport the sam- ple in a cooler with an ice pack. "Now is a good time to learn about your well and start regular sampling," says Worsell. "It's the first step in pro- tecting your drinking water and the groundwater we all share." For a free copy of the kit "Keeping Your Well Water Safe to Drink," or if you have any questions, contact • the Health Unit. Ask to speak to a public health inspector. Information is also available on the Health Unit website www.huroncounty.ca/health. Huron County targeted by influenza virus The Huron County Health Unit has confirmed its first case of Influenza A for the season in a young adult Huron County resident. Influenza, or "the flu," usually comes with a with high fever, headache, sore throat, cough, and head/muscle aches. Most people are sick for 2 to 7 days, although the cough can lastfor weeks. In seniors and people with chronic health problems (like lung or heart disease or diabetes), influenza can lead to complications such as pneu- monia. Many people confuse other flu- like illnesses that cause coughs and sniffles; with true influenza. Influenza tends to be more serious. Influenza should not be con - 'fused with the "stomach flu" or viral gastroenteritis that is also common at this time of year. Symptoms of stomach flu usually include vomiting and diarrhea, not the breathing -related prob- lems you see with influenza. It's not too late to get a flu shot from your doctor's office or the health unit. Once it arrives, influen- za usually stays around the commu- nity for 10 to 12 weeks. The bug often keeps many children home from school and turns up in long- term care homes. The health unit recommends that people stay home if they're sick to avoid infecting others and to seek medical attention if necessary. Call These Businesses For All Your Service Needs! CONTRACTORS TIM KENNEDY HOME IMPROVEMENTS • Replacement Windows • Vinyl Siding • Soffit • • Fascia • Roofs ;Small Additions • Bathrooms •. 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