Drinking Water Wells

Floods and other disasters can damage drinking water wells and lead to aquifer and well contamination. Flood waters can contaminate well water with livestock waste, human sewage, chemicals, and other contaminants which can lead to illness when used for drinking, bathing, and other hygiene activities.

Before a Disaster/Emergency - Preparing a Well

Although well owners are likely to have to treat their water when they return to a flooded well, they can follow some simple steps such as plugging or capping the well before the disaster to reduce the potential for damage and contamination. For more information, please visit Agriculture Canada's Water Wells – What to do Before the Flood (PDF, 174.67 KB, 2 pages).

After a Disaster/Emergency - Treatment of Wells

If you return after an emergency and suspect that your well may be contaminated, contact your local, state, or tribal health department for specific advice. If your well has been contaminated or you suspect that it may be contaminated, DON’T drink the water. Seek a safe water supply like bottled water or treat the water before drinking. Since the identity of contaminants can vary depending on the location, the information linked is intended to supplement water-related emergency precautions issued by health authorities in your area. Disinfection is best conducted by a well or pump contractor. Working on a well after a natural disaster can be hazardous due to physical or electrical hazards created by the disaster. Swiftly moving water can loosen well hardware and dislodge well construction materials and the well’s pump and electrical system can be damaged by sediment, water, fires, etc. Flooded wells should be disinfected and tested after flood waters recede. For information on what to do following such an emergency, please visit Emergency Well Treatment.

IMPORTANT: Fuel and other chemical releases and spills are common during flood events. If your water smells like fuel or has a chemical odor, contact your local, state, or tribal health department to request a chemical analysis of your water before using it. Until you know the water is safe, use bottled water or some other safe supply of water.