Aid Available For Flood-Damaged Wells, Septic Tanks
Release Date: March 24, 2003
Release Number: 1455-04
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Charleston, WV - Floodwaters can be toxic. Under the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Individuals and Households Program (IHP), owners of flood-damaged wells and septic tanks 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.
Last Modified: Monday, 24-Mar-2003 10:33:19