EDO-2025-000008

BACTERIA
Flooding can cause trouble with water purification and sewage
systems. Most floods do not cause serious
outbreaks of disease. Sickness, however, occurs more commonly
in workers cleaning up contaminated flood
water.
CHLORINEChlorine is a highly ecient disinfectant, and is added to most public water supplies to kill disease-causing pathogens, such as
bacteria, viruses and protozoans, that commonly grow in water supply reservoirs, on the walls of water mains and in storage tanks.
WELLSWells that are more than 10 years
old or less than 50 feet deep are likely to be contaminated, even if there is no apparent damage. Regardless, always check the following:
Check whether the well was flooded
Ensure that air vacuum
release valves aren't submerged by flood waters
Inspect electrical components and wires
Check the well casing
Check the well cap and seal
If you suspect that your well may be contaminated, contact your local or state health department for specific advice on disinfecting your well.
1
2
3
4
5
SEPTIC SYSTEMSMost septic tanks are not damaged
by flooding since they are below ground. You will, however, want to follow a few guidelines:
Pump the septic system as
soon as possible AFTER the flood
Do not use the sewage system until water in the soil
absorption field is lower than the water around the house
If sewage has backed up into the basement, clean the area
and disinfect the floor
Have your septic tank professionally tested if there are any concerns
Only trained specialists should clean or repair septic tanks because tanks may contain dangerous gases. Contact your
health department for a list of septic system contractors.
1
2
3
4
INDOOR SEWAGE
CONTAMINATIONThorough cleaning of indoor sewage contamination is necessary to protect people from harmful bacteria and viruses:
Clean as soon as possible
Keep children and pets out of the area
Remove all furniture, loose rugs and other items from the area
All hard surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned with a bleach solution
Disinfect mops, brooms and
brushes with the bleach solution
Wash your hands thoroughly
Contact your homeowner’s insurance company prior to hiring a disaster restoration company.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Flooding can leave you up a creek without a paddle.
Knowing what to do once the water recedes will ensure
you keep your family safe and weather the storm.
NEVERNever pump flood water into the sewer. The additional
water pumped into the sewer system overtaxes those pipes and sends sewage spilling into homes in low-lying areas.
WHAT TO DO AFTER THE FLOOD?
WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE
How to stay safe once things dry up
For more information, contact your local health department