Don't Drink The Water! Wells May Be Contaminated in Old Lyme

If you live in Old Lyme and have a well that was flooded by Hurricane Sandy, don't drink the water!

Old Lyme is one of more than 70 towns that the State Department of Public Health (DPH) has issued a "boil water advisory" for following Hurricane Sandy. 

Specifically, DPH singles out Mile Creek Apartments, Lyme Regis, Inc., and Boxwood Condominium Association as places where residents should not drink the water. However, Old Lyme First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder said that any well in a flood area should be considered suspect.

"People have wells that are usually shallow that are covered with concrete tops. Under normal circumstances, no one can lift them—but this storm did. So now water is getting into the wells," said Reemsnyder. "If you don’t know if it’s contaminated, you have to assume that it is contaminated."

Be warned, it's not just salt water from Sandy's tidal surge that poses a problem for areas that flooded, either.

"There’s sewage in that water too," said Reemsnyder. "When areas were flooded there were septic issues and I think there’s some issues with sewers backing up [at Point O Woods]."

Water, Water Everywhere ...

The town is providing potable water for all residents at the town's three fire houses and the Old Lyme Police Department. (Bring your own container if you have one.)

People can pick up free bottled water at the Lymes' Senior Center, which is open daily from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. as a respite center for residents of Lyme and Old Lyme.

Flanders Fire Department in East Lyme is also delivering water for livestock as needed. The town hasn't specified whether this is available to East Lyme residents only but it's probably worth calling to find out if your animals are in need. The number is (860) 739-6968.  

If you want to use tap water, the DPH recommends any one of the following methods to disinfect it: 

• Boil at a rolling boil for one minute. Make sure water is clear of floating pieces before boiling; OR,
• Add 8 drops of liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of clear water or 16 drops per gallon for cloudy water. Do NOT use bleach that has perfumes or ingredients other than sodium hypochlorite as it may be toxic; OR,
• Add water purification tablets according to directions on the package.

Mix completely and let water stand 30 minutes before using.

If you develop symptoms such as an upset stomach, nausea or diarrhea, see your doctor. You can also call Old Lyme Health Department for advice and information, (860) 434-1605 x214.