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Kittitas (pronounced 'KITT-i-tass') County is located in central Washington State. It spans from the lush forested Cascade Mountains to the upper Yakima River Valley plains and the Columbia River.
Kittitas County, WA - 03/14/2017 - With recent flooding in Kittitas County, the Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) is reminding residents that flood water is unsafe. Flood water can create risks including, exposure to infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
During clean up after floods; wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleaning the affected area. After completing cleanup, wash all clothes worn in hot water and detergent as well as washing your hands with soap and warm water. If your well head was covered by flood waters, KCPHD recommends NOT consuming water from the well until it has been tested and proven to be absent of bacteria. Until you receive test results that show the water is free of bacteria, you should use bottled water or water that has not been exposed to flood waters. If bottled water is not available, you should boil water before using for drinking, preparing food, washing dishes, brushing teeth, et cetera. Boil water for at least one minute and cool completely before use. EH Supervisor Holly Myers reminds residents that “testing your water for contaminants is easy and inexpensive. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your drinking water.” Water testing bottles are available at KCPHD from 9am to 5pm for pick up, Monday through Friday. Water samples should be taken from your home on the same morning you intend to drop the sample off at KCPHD. Drop off for samples is between 9 and 11 and the courier picks up water, daily, from KCPHD at 11am. Disinfection of your well is necessary if test results show bacterial contamination. For instructions on disinfecting wells, please visit the Kittitas County Public Health Department’s website at www.co.kittitas.wa.us/health/ for a fact sheet on the disinfection of private water wells. For questions about boiling water, disinfecting wells, or water testing, please contact the Kittitas County Public Health Department at 509-962-7515.
Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us
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Contact: Kasey Knutson, Public Information Officer, 509-962-7515