BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. -- The Florida Department of Health has issued a health advisory warning in connection with the possible contamination of well wate due to the recent wildfires.

Brush fires may have contaminated the potable water supply from private drinking water wells, Local 6 reported.

Drinking contaminated water may cause illness. Individuals cannot assume that the water in the wildfire-affected area is safe to drink.

In the area affected by a wildfire, private potable wells may not be operating. Even if they are, wildfire damage can affect water lines to the home.

Wells damaged by wildfires should be tested for contamination and may need to be disinfected, Local 6 News partner Florida Today reported.

If the wellhead or water lines are exposed or leaking, residents should contact a licensed water well contractor immediately to assess the condition of the well, health officials said.

Residents can get free water at a distribution center located at Fellowship United Methodist Church at 975 Malabar Road NW, Palm Bay.

Questions about testing or repair of a well should be directed to the Brevard County Health Department’s Environmental Health Services at 321-633-2100.

Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.