Environmental Health

Well Sampling Program

Procedure for Chlorinating Private Wells

A contaminated well can cause any number of health related problems. If it is determined that your well has become contaminated we suggest that you follow the procedures outlined below in order to ensure that your drinking water is as safe as possible.

  1. Pour one (1) gallon of chlorine bleach (regular household bleach Clorox, Purex, or an equivalent product) into the well.
  2. Connect a hosepipe to spigot nearest to the well and circulate the water by running the hose back into the well. Wash down the walls of the well while doing this.
  3. Run each spigot, flush each toilet, etc., until you can smell the chlorine at each outlet.
  4. Allow the chlorinated water to remain in the system for at least eighteen (18) hours.
  5. After this period of disinfection, pump the chlorinated water from the well thoroughly until there is no chlorine odor.
  6. Wait seven (7) days before requesting an additional water sample

Please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions regarding the above information.

Clayton County Board of Health
Environmental Health
685 Forest Parkway, Forest Park, GA 30297
Phone: (678) 610-7469
Fax: (770) 603-4874