Recent flooding in Burnet County has potentially contaminated groundwater sources, particularly shallow aquifers like the Ellenburger-San Saba Aquifer. These karst and fractured limestone systems are highly vulnerable to contamination during flooding events.
Initial water quality tests from the Oak Vista Subdivision and surrounding areas have shown a high number of wells testing positive for Coliform bacteria, and some have tested positive for E. coli. As a result, the CTGCD is offering FREE BACTERIA TESTING for private wells in Burnet County.
If your well was affected by flooding, DO NOT drink the water or use it for brushing teeth, making ice, or cooking until it has been tested and confirmed safe or sterilized.
NOTE ON WATER TESTING:
If you live in an area where widespread well contamination has already been confirmed—such as the Oak Vista Subdivision—you may not need to test your well individually. Based on local geology and existing results, contamination is presumed likely. Please follow the safety precautions below to avoid exposure.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
- Stop using your well water for consumption immediately.
- Use bottled water or boil your well water for at least 3 minutes before using it for: drinking, brushing teeth, preparing food or baby formula, or washing fruits and vegetables.
- Get your well tested. CTGCD is offering FREE BACTERIA TESTING for private wells in Burnet County Monday-Thursdays Only. Call us at 512-756-4900 or visit 225 S. Pierce St. Burnet, TX to request a test kit.
- If your test comes back positive, disinfect your well and plumbing system. CTGCD can provide guidance here.
- Bacteria levels may subside naturally within a few weeks, but retest your well before resuming normal use.
GUIDANCE FOR NON-CONSUMPTIVE USES:
- Showering/Bathing: Adults and older children may shower if they avoid swallowing water. For young children, infants, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals, use boiled or bottled water for sponge baths.
- Laundry: Safe to do laundry using contaminated water. Use detergent and dry clothes thoroughly.
- Dishwashing: Safe if using a dishwasher with a sanitizing cycle. When hand-washing, use hot soapy water followed by a 1-minute soak in a bleach solution (1 tbsp unscented bleach per gallon of water), then air dry.
- Cleaning Surfaces: Use disinfectant or a diluted bleach solution (1:10 ratio) to clean any surfaces used for food preparation or hand contact.