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A Boil Water Order has been issued for private wells in Baker, Early and Mitchell counties.

Residents using private wells that have been flooded by the recent severe weather should take precautions against waterborne illnesses by boiling well water for two minutes and then straining it before consumption, Southwest Health District Environmental Health Director Dewayne Tanner warned today.

"Southwest Health District has issued a Boil Water Order for private wells in Baker, Early and Mitchell counties.  Under the Boil Water Order, residents in these areas should limit consumption to bottled water or boil well water for two minutes at a rolling boil and strain it before using it to brush their teeth, prepare food or drink," said Tanner.

"We are also aware of localized flooding in other parts of the district.  If you are concerned about contamination of your well water, please contact your county health department, and an environmental health specialist will test it." Fees for testing well water will be waived for residents in flooded areas," said Tanner.

Information on well water disinfection and other flood-related material is available at the Southwest Health District web page, www.southwestgeorgiapublichealth.org.