Residents Should Check Water Wells, Septic Tanks for Damages 

Release Date: November 30, 2006
Release Number: 1668-019

» More Information on Louisiana Severe Storms and Flooding

ALEXANDRIA, La. -- If your septic tank or well is damaged as a result of the mid-October storms and flooding, you may be eligible for financial assistance. The U. S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U. S. Small Business Association (SBA) both have programs to help with these damages.

If you do not qualify for an SBA loan, you may be referred to FEMA for a disaster-assistance home-repair grant that covers well and septic system damage. Those eligible may receive funds to pump septic tanks, perform required repairs or even replace the system. Damaged private wells that are the sole source of water for the house also may be repaired or decontaminated with grant funds.

"We don't want anyone living in a house with contaminated water or exposed to raw sewage," said Dr. Rick Hinrichs, deputy federal coordinating officer. "If you have applied for state and federal disaster assistance you should advise the FEMA inspector that you have a private well and septic system."

Public health officials urge residents who rely on private wells to have their water system inspected and tested if any of the following conditions exist:

"All homeowners, renters and business owners who observe any of the stated conditions in their well water should contact their local health department to request water sampling instructions," said Neal Fudge, deputy coordinating officer for the state.

Home-repair disaster-assistance grants are available to restore the home to a livable condition. To qualify for a limited home repair grant, the applicants must own the home, and the home must be their primary residence. Grants are not intended to restore a home to pre-disaster condition and cannot be used for cosmetic repairs or repairs covered by insurance.

Any resident in the declared parishes who suffered damage or losses from the severe storms and flooding in mid-October can register for disaster assistance by calling the

FEMA toll-free registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The number for hearing-or speech- impaired is (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 . Both numbers are operational between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.

Victims also can register online at www.fema.gov or visit a DRC to meet face-to-face with recovery specialists.

FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with state and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Thursday, 30-Nov-2006 08:21:31