Here is information provided by the Lewis County Health Department regarding public health concerns from recent flooding:

Lewis County Public Health wants you to have easy and accurate information about coping with the effects of the flood so that you and your family remain healthy.

What about my water supply?
If your well has been flooded, assume the water in your home is contaminated. If you are on a public water system (i.e. city of Centralia or Chehalis), listen to your radio or television for news to find out if your water might be contaminated.

MORE FLOODING/HEALTH INFO Flooding-Related Public Health Info From Thurston County

"Test it - don't Taste it" after the flood waters recede.

Get more details on water supply safety at the Lewis County Health Department Web site.

I'm concerned about my exposure to tetanus, what can I do?
If you have had a tetanus shot in the last 10 years you should be okay. If you can’t remember when your last tetanus shot was and have been walking through floodwater, cleaning up flood debris, and have some scrapes and/or cuts then you should get a tetanus shot as soon as possible. You can get this taken care of at the Health Department Immunization Clinic or at your regular medical provider’s office.

If I was in floodwater am I at risk for getting Hepatitis A?
No, being exposed to floodwater does not increase your risk for contracting Hepatitis A. Many people already have had the Hepatitis A vaccination, if you have not you can also take care of this at the Health Department Immunization Clinic or at your regular medical provider's office.

For more information on tetanus and hepatitis A, go to this CSC Web page.

Can I shower or bathe in water that may be contaminated?
Yes, unless you have an open wound your risk of exposure is minimal. Your risk of getting sick from contaminated water is greatest if you take the water into your mouth.

Who can I contact for more information?
Contact your medical provider if you are having any kind of symptoms, wounds or rashes that you need to have examined. Contact the Lewis County Public Health Department at 740-1223 if you have questions or concerns about the tetanus immunization, your water or septic system, or exposure to contamination.

The Lewis County Health Department has arranged to have tanker trucks containing drinking water, donated by The Milky Way Company, based out of Chehalis, parked at several flood affected areas in west Lewis County Saturday.

The water can be used for filling jugs, buckets, and other water containers.

There will be no limit to the amount of water available as the tanks will be refilled as needed.

The tankers are outfitted with self serving spigots.

The tanker trucks will be located at:

Doty Command Center -177 Chandler Road - 5,000 gallons will be available

Adna Middle/High School - 121 Adna School Road - 9,000 gallons will be available

The Lewis County Health Department Water Lab will be open over the weekend from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. for those wishing to have their cleaned and sterilized well water tested for contaminants.

Water Lab staff will be available during this time to answer questions.

In recognition that it may be difficult to submit samples directly to the water lab in Chehalis, sterile bottles may be picked up and submitted to the Doty Command Center.

To assure the lab is able to contact the person providing the sample with the results in a timely manner, it is very important that contact information be written on the sample paperwork, including alternative contact or message numbers.