Safe Drinking Water from Wells in Flooded Areas

If your well has been inundated with floodwater, you need to disinfect it to ensure a safe domestic water supply to protect your family's health. Floodwater carries bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other pathogens (disease-causing organisms), as well as chemicals. Diseases such as dysentery, hepatitis and giardiasis can be transmitted through private wells that have been contaminated by floodwaters. Man-made chemicals—such as pesticides, solvents and petroleum-based products—can pose a health risk. This is a very minor risk, since it will flush out as soon as the well is pumped. Sediment that enters your well during flooding can cause problems for your pumps and plumbing system. Bacteria that create a rotten-egg smell and stain plumbing fixtures or laundry may also be introduced by floodwaters. Although these do not present a health risk, they are a nuisance that can be eliminated through disinfection.