Hurricanes and other severe storms causing floods, unfortunately, create various problems, including those related to residential water wells. Abundant in rural areas, these wells rely on groundwater to supply homes with the essential liquid for drinking, cooking, and bathing. If you recently moved into a home with a well or otherwise want to learn more about them, read on.

3 Ways Residential Water Wells Are Affected By Flooding

1. Bacteria, Nitrate, & Parasite Contamination

When floodwaters rise and infiltrate residential water wells, they bring with them a variety of contaminants. Human and animal sewage alone contains innumerable contaminants such as nitrates, parasites, and bacterial strains. Coliform bacteria, for example, include E. coli that causes diarrhea among other gastrointestinal issues. Nitrate exposure is particularly harmful to infants because it depletes the blood of oxygen, causing suffocation. Drinking water high in nitrates has also been linked to low birth weights, among other health complications. Parasites cause many different illnesses, including waterborne illnesses such as dysentery.

2. Physical Damages

Powerful floods can easily disrupt the physical characteristics of residential water wells, causing damage to their casings, pumps, pipes, pressure tanks, and caps, among other components. Damage to any of these parts prevents residential water wells from functioning properly, potentially resulting in sediment intrusion and pump failure. Without a working pump, wells cannot provide homes throughout rural areas with water.

3. Oil, Pesticide, & Fertilizer Contamination

Many other contaminants can affect residential water wells during hurricanes or other severe storms, such as various items on private properties. Cans of motor oil, fertilizer, pesticides, insecticides, paint, solvents, salts, and similar products quickly contaminate wells when floodwater runoff becomes severe. Contamination, whether from these or other pollutants, usually results in cloudy or murky water with an unpleasant taste and odor; it can also cause health complications such as vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
 

Rely on bottled water until your residential water well has been deemed safe for use. Work with the team at John D Hughes Wells and Pumps for well inspections, maintenance, and repairs to keep your water source in great condition for years. The Enterprise, AL, drilling and irrigation company offers over 60 years of experience and uses only the highest-quality equipment and devices. Call (334) 347-9757 today to set up a consultation at the expansive showroom.