THOMASVILLE — Area health departments are urging Southwest Georgia residents who live in places flooded by rains from Tropical Storm Fay to take precautions with their well water.

Southwest Public Health District Health Director Dr. Jacqueline Grant said in a press release the southern part of its coverage area — primarily Grady, Thomas and Decatur counties — experienced flooding that could have resulted in well water contamination.

“Anyone in flooded areas or where their wells were submerged under water for an extended period should have their wells tested and boil their water,” Clarcia Avery, environmental health technician with Grady County Environmental Health, said Wednesday. “Drinking contaminated water can cause flu-like symptoms, stomach bloating and diarrhea.”

Avery stressed this advisory is just for those with prolonged exposure to storm water.

“We’ve received approximately 100 calls today once the advisory hit the news,” she said. “About 60 percent were frantic residents who heard this and thought they were at risk. We explained the situation to them so they understood and would not be worried. We are assisting those who do live in areas affected by the storm water.”

Water from contaminated wells should be brought to a full boil for one full minute and allowed to cool before drinking, Grady County Health Department Director Peggy Connell said in a press release.

“Boiling will kill most microbes, but will not remove other contaminants,” she said. “Although boiled water can be strained to remove other contaminants, the best solution would be to use bottled water until your water supply has been declared safe by environmental health specialists.”

Grant recommend anyone living or working in the area affected by the flood who have not had a tetanus vaccination within the past 10 years come get vaccinated. She said shots are free for residents.

Environmental health specialists from local health departments can determine if wells are contaminated by flood waters.

Avery said her division is part of Grady County Health Department and handles issues with drinking water. It can be reached by calling 377-8857.

“Someone from the office goes to the site and does a complete inspection,” she said. “If a problem is found, the residents are advised to disinfect the wells. Most people use regular household chlorine — we give them a written sheet on disinfection — and we recommend they leave the chlorine in for at least 14 hours.”

For more information, contact Southwest Public Health District in Albany at (229) 430-4127, Thomas County Health Department at 226-4241, Grady County Health Department at 377-2992 or visit www.southwestgeorgiapublichealth.org.