Well Safety During Hurricanes and Floods

For certified dealers who have a well that is used for drinking and/or processing water, hurricanes and other significant storm events may cause flooding and cause contamination problems to the water supply. The Environmental Protection Agency’s web site provides some information on what homeowners can do after a hurricane and flooding to ensure that the water source is not contaminate and is safe.  They also provide information for water supply facilities and what can be done to prepare for a hurricane and subsequent flooding. The Center for Disease Control also provides information on their web page on how to disinfect after a flood.

If your well has flooded and you suspect any possible contamination, you must not operate until either DSS or an EPA certified laboratory has been able to confirm that your well and processing water are free of contamination.

Before and After the Storm – Private Wells and Onsite Sewage Systems
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/onsite-sewage-water-services-updated/before-and-after-the-storm-private-wells-and-onsite-sewage-systems/

Is your water well system at Risk after a flood?
https://wellowner.org/2025/04/is-your-water-well-system-at-risk-after-a-flood-heres-what-to-do/

ODW-Boil Water Advisory Guidance-Public Supplies
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/drinking-water/boil-water-advisory-guidance/

CDC-How to Disinfect Wells after an Emergency
https://www.cdc.gov/water-emergency/about/how-to-disinfect-wells-after-an-emergency.html

Laboratories in Virginia with Drinking Water Accreditation
Crystal Reports – rep_b15631bc-0b8d-4eee-8640-efae0f07a75c.rpt

 

Last Updated: July 1, 2025