HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. — The Henderson County Department of Public Health is offering free well water testing for residents whose private drinking wells may have been affected by Hurricane Helene. The initiative aims to assess the presence of coliform bacteria and E. coli in wells that were flooded or damaged during the storm.
The county’s Environmental Health staff will collect water samples from properties where wells were submerged or structurally damaged, according to a statement posted on social media. The health department clarified that this service is available only after residents have restored power and disinfected their wells.
“A flooded well is where water has risen over the top of the well at any point during the storm,” the health department said. They also advised that wells showing structural damage need disinfection and testing before being deemed safe for use.
Water sampling will be conducted as supplies and staff availability allow. Residents can request a test by visiting the county’s health department website or calling the Environmental Health office at 828-694-6060.
More information on well and septic system recovery can be found on the county’s hurricane recovery guidance page.