Department of Health: Boil water from wells affected by TS Debby

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- The Florida Department of Health is advising residents with private wells affected by floods from Tropical Storm Debby to take precautions and make sure their water is safe to drink.

The agency says well owners in flooded areas should boil water for at least one minute before use to make sure it isn't contaminated with disease-causing organisms.

Any water used for drinking, cooking, washing dishes, brushing teeth or making ice should be boiled or disinfected. The agency also advises using bottled water, especially for mixing baby formula.

Once the flooding subsides residents should disinfect wells with procedures available from local health departments. The DOH urges well owners to have their water tested as well.