Floodwater, which may carry raw sewage, animal waste, petroleum products, pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals, can contaminate well water, making it unsafe for drinking and other uses long after floodwaters recede. If floodwaters penetrate your well, the water should be considered unusable until you schedule a well inspection. Here are some ways you can protect your well water from contamination.

Is My Well Water Sanitary After a Flood?

In the event of a flood, disconnect the well’s power supply immediately. Cover the opening with heavy-duty plastic sheeting and secure it with waterproof tape. Once floodwaters have receded, schedule a well inspection and have your water system tested for safety. If the water is contaminated, your system should be disinfected by injecting a chlorine solution into the well and running chlorinated water through it. This process is known as shock chlorination.

After shock chlorination, submit another water sample for testing. The water sample should test negative before you use your well water. You may need to conduct multiple shock chlorination treatments to decontaminate your water supply completely.

Prevent Well Contamination Before a Flood

Protecting your well from flood contamination may require new construction or modifications. Various state and local agencies may regulate well installations and alterations, so check with your local health department or county officials before making any changes to an existing well.

Wells more than 50 years old and less than 50 feet deep are more likely to be contaminated by floodwaters than newer, deeper wells. Have a well inspection to determine the condition of your well. Your local well drilling company may recommend extending the well casing two feet or more above the highest recorded flood line to prevent floodwaters from entering your well.

Installing a sanitary sealed cover on top of the casing will also limit floodwater contamination. Surrounding the housing with a watertight seal will add even more protection. In addition, installing a backflow valve will push floodwater away from the line before it can enter the well.

B & H Well Drilling Pump Service in Jefferson City, MO, provides expert well installation, repair, and maintenance throughout Central Missouri. With more than 25 years of experience, their licensed professionals will keep your system running by conducting maintenance and repairs. If your home or business is in a flood hazard zone, they’ll make improvements to your well to protect it from contaminated floodwaters. Call (573) 455-9111 today to schedule a well inspection, or visit them online for more information.