The Alabama Department of Public Health on Tuesday issued an advisory to north Alabamians impacted by recent flooding.

The advisory said the floods may have caused sewer systems to overflow, and that caution should be taken when encountering standing water.

“Those who have come into direct contact with untreated sewage are advised to wash their hands and clothing thoroughly,” said Dr. Karen Landers, district medical officer for the state health department.

Private wells covered by flood water should be assumed to have been contaminated. Residents are advised not to drink well water or give it to animals until it has been tested and received a satisfactory result.

Until water is known to be free of contaminants, residents should only use clear water which has been brought to a rolling boil for one minute or purified bottled water.

The ADPH also advises area residents to take precautions in recreational waters that may be contaminated by sewage. All fish caught should be thoroughly cooked before eating. People should wash their hands after cleaning fish and before preparing food.

Residents with questions related to their public sewage systems should contact their local utility provider.

For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website, https://bit.ly/2pNL9vM.