EPA sends mobile drinking water lab to support Eastern Kentucky communities affected by flooding
Frankfort, Ky. (February 21, 2025) – On Saturday, February 22, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will deploy its mobile laboratory to assist the state and local health departments ensure public water and drinking water from private wells is safe to drink. EPA is closely coordinating drinking water testing with FEMA, the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection (KDEP), the Kentucky Department for Public Health and local health departments, including Pike, Martin and Perry counties.
“EPA’s mobile lab is a vital resource to assist communities impacted by flooding and other events that can contaminate drinking water supplies,” said Acting Region 4 Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “We are working closely alongside our federal, state and local partners to test both public water and private well water so residents of Eastern Kentucky communities can have confidence that their water is safe to drink.”
EPA’s mobile lab will be prepared to analyze samples of both public drinking water and private well water starting on Monday, February 24, 2025.
EPA’s mobile laboratory can only accept water samples directly from water utilities, KDEP and local health departments – not residents. Private well owners whose wells were completely flooded or otherwise damaged by the storm are urged to contact their local health department to request testing.
EPA will test the public water supply and private wells for the presence of total coliform and E. coli, which are indicators of fecal contamination. Their presence in water suggests that other disease-causing microorganisms may be present, and the water is not safe to drink.
EPA committed to supporting response and recovery efforts in Eastern Kentucky and stands ready to provide further assistance, as requested.
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