Structural integrity and water testing remain the key concerns Tuesday in the aftermath of a large sinkhole that has swallowed homes in Land O' Lakes. 

The neighborhood did receive good news Tuesday afternoon when officials confirmed that 20 wells tested showed no signs of E.coli. The county continues to work with the Florida Department of Health on all well testing.

The health department is encouraging residents to use bottled water if within 500 feet of the sinkhole until drinking water is fully tested.

During a news conference Tuesday morning, Pasco County officials described the process taking place regarding the continued testing on the water in the community and the stability of the land itself. 

Kevin Guthrie, Pasco's Assistant County Administrator for Public Safety, said recovery from the sinkhole will likely take two to three months as engineers, public health officials and construction crews all align their efforts.

Guthrie said the water levels in the hole, which is no longer growing, have dropped by about five feet.

"There will be more surveying," Guthrie said of Tuesday's activity at the site of the 225-foot wide hole that is about 50 feet deep. "We will be checking easements where homeowner's property lines start and stop. 

"From there, there will be checks for the structural integrity of the roadway and the easements, he said." 

In addition to the structural soundness, water testing is expected to continue. 

Pasco County's utility division has been conducting tests but the Florida Department of Health will now do its own testing. The department of health will be testing area wells for volatile organic compounds, including nitrates, primary metals and arsenic.  

"We're not sure of the (health) effects a sinkhole can cause," said Mike Napier, the Florida Department of Health/Director of Pasco County. "We just know there is the possibility for health effects. We're trying to gather that information." 

Also, Duke Energy crews are expected on site to begin bringing down overhead wires in preparation of clean up work. 

As far as the hole itself, engineers are still determining the best approach, Guthrie said. 

"My goal is to have (the stuff) taken out," he said, adding that the environmental aspects of repairing the hole is why tests are necessary. "We err on the side of caution when doing these extra tests.

"And recovery will take weeks if not months."