Aid Available For Flood-Damaged Wells, Septic Tanks 

Release Date: June 15, 2004
Release Number: 1522-012

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va.-- Floodwaters can be toxic. Under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Individuals and Households Program, owners of flood-damaged wells and septic systems may be eligible for federal assistance to restore them to use.

Financial aid may be available to pump out septic tanks, repair them or even replace them if the damage is permanent. Homeowners with private wells that were rendered useless may be eligible for federal assistance if the well is their only source of water. Renters forced to vacate homes because of unusable wells or septic tanks may apply for assistance.

Disaster victims may apply for a variety of federal/state disaster assistance programs by calling the toll-free registration line, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. (EST), seven days a week until further notice. People with speech or hearing impairments may apply by calling the TTY registration line at 1-800-462-7585.

Water pumped from wells that have been submerged by floodwater should be disinfected before being used for drinking, food preparation and other domestic needs. For instructions on how to disinfect wells and arrange for sampling, contact the local county health department sanitarian.

Keep in mind that a single disinfection may not be sufficient because certain well systems, particularly shallow wells, hand-dug wells and old wells are more vulnerable to contamination. Water from these types of systems should be checked by periodically submitting samples for bacteriological analysis.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Thursday, 17-Jun-2004 16:03:14