{"id":849,"date":"2013-09-20T15:55:46","date_gmt":"2013-09-20T22:55:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/support.cleanwaterstore.com\/blog\/?p=849"},"modified":"2025-07-12T08:30:53","modified_gmt":"2025-07-12T15:30:53","slug":"what-to-do-when-your-well-is-covered-by-flood-water","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cleanwaterstore.com\/blog\/what-to-do-when-your-well-is-covered-by-flood-water\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do When Your Well is Covered by Flood Water"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"A<\/p>\n

With the recent flooding, we are getting a lot of inquiries about what to do when your well floods.<\/p>\n

Here is a recent question:<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were flooded, so I had my drinking water tested just in case the well was contaminated.<\/p>\n

It came out that I need to chlorinate my well due to coliform bacteria. I am looking for a company that can chlorinate or install a chlorinator for my well.\u201d<\/p>\n

We answered:<\/p>\n

You might be able to find a local well or pump contractor to shock chlorinate and sanitize your well.\u00a0 Often they will do this type of well chlorination.<\/p>\n

First, read our guide on \u201cWhat to Do If Your Well Is Flooded.\u201d<\/p>\n

Floods-And-Your-Well-Water.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

Assessing Damage and Hazards After a Flood<\/h2>\n

After a flood, private well owners must carefully assess damage and hazards. Flood waters can contaminate well water, making it unsafe to drink and risking your health.<\/p>\n

Visual Inspection of Your Well<\/h2>\n

Start by inspecting your well for signs that flood or surface water entered the system. Look for visible mud, mud stains, or debris around the well casing. These indicate that contaminated water may have reached your well.<\/p>\n

Check the Well Cap<\/h2>\n

Ensure the well cap is securely fastened and not loose or damaged. A loose cap can let flood waters, bacteria, and contaminants enter. Do not try to fix issues if the area is wet or flooded.<\/p>\n

Electrical Safety First<\/h2>\n

Never touch electrical wires, controls near the well, or electrical components in flooded areas. Turn off the electricity to your well pump and water system. Wait several hours before inspecting or repairing. Contact a certified pump contractor or licensed electrician to check the well pump, pressure tank, and electrical system for damage.<\/p>\n

Avoid Using Contaminated Water<\/h2>\n

Do not use well water for drinking, cooking, or baby formula until properly disinfected and tested. Use bottled water or boil tap water for at least one minute to kill bacteria and microorganisms. This prevents serious illness.<\/p>\n

Watch for Additional Contamination<\/h2>\n

Be alert for sewage, heating oil, chemicals, or other hazards in the flooded area. If you detect any, do not clean it yourself. Contact trained professionals to handle hazardous materials safely.<\/p>\n

Testing Your Well Water<\/h2>\n

Testing your well water is crucial after flooding. Contact a certified laboratory to collect a water sample and test for bacteria, heavy metals, and microorganisms. Test results will show if your water is safe or needs further treatment.<\/p>\n

Your Responsibility as a Private Well Owner<\/h2>\n

It is your responsibility to ensure your drinking water is safe. If unsure how to assess damage, inspect electrical components, or test your water, contact your local health department or a certified professional. Taking these steps protects your health and ensures safe, well water after a flood.<\/p>\n

Stay Safe and Take Precautions<\/h2>\n

Do not take risks with contaminated water. Follow all safety and testing guidelines to keep your family safe after flooding.<\/p>\n

Make sure to test for coliform bacteria.<\/p>\n

\"well<\/a>What If You Want To Chlorinate and Disinfect Automatically?<\/h2>\n

If you need to install a chlorinator, there are several choices, including pellet feeders that feed chlorine pellets down the well or liquid chlorination.<\/p>\n

Liquid chlorination using chlorine bleach and a contact tank to allow time for the bacteria to be killed is often the safest and lowest-cost method.\u00a0 Here is more information on those types of systems:<\/p>\n

For well decontamination after flooding, consider the following steps: First, measure the depth of water in the well to calculate the total volume for proper chlorination. You may need to fill the well and pump water out as part of the cleaning process. After adding chlorine, run water from an outside faucet (not an inside faucet) to flush the system thoroughly and prevent contamination from entering the household plumbing.<\/p>\n

Chlorination Systems<\/h2>\n

Chlorine offers a low-cost, safe way to eliminate odors and bacteria. It also effectively oxidizes iron, manganese, and other contaminants, making them easier to filter out.<\/p>\n

While you can use other methods to remove microorganisms and odors from water, chlorination remains the most popular option due to its affordability and proven effectiveness.<\/p>\n

Often combined with filtration, chlorination is an excellent and cost-effective way to disinfect drinking water supplies, eliminate odors, and oxidize iron and other metals.<\/p>\n

For easy and accurate chlorine injection, we recommend a J-PRO pump and solution tank system<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Proportional<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The chlorinator uses liquid chlorine bleach.\u00a0 The system is reliable, easy to install, and very easy to use.\u00a0 It can be adjusted to get just the right amount of chlorine needed for the application.<\/p>\n

The chlorinator can be adjusted so the chlorine levels are very low in the household (similar to city water), or a low-cost carbon filter can be installed to remove any trace of chlorine tastes and odors.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Contact Tank<\/h2>\n

A contact or retention tank<\/a> provides optimal contact time after chlorine has been injected into the water.<\/p>\n

By using a contact tank, the amount of solution needed is less, and ensures that the solution being injected is thoroughly mixed and dissolved in the water.<\/p>\n

Most importantly, a contact tank allows sufficient time for the bacteria to be killed after the chlorine is injected.<\/p>\n

If your well has been flooded, it’s important to take immediate action to ensure your drinking water is safe.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Resources:<\/h2>\n