What if my water well has flooded?

When your water well has become flooded or surface flood water enters the wellhead and goes down into the casing, your water could be contaminated with bacteria. Basement wells and wells located in pits can also flood and be contaminated.  When this happens, your well needs to be checked immediately. Bacteria and contaminants can still get in if the well seems to be fine.

If my water well has flooded, can I use the water?

If your well has flooded, DO NOT use the water:

  • To drink, cook or bathe,  try to use another essay writing services safe water source.  For example, bottled water or a neighbor’s well that hasn’t been  flooded. You can also boil water for 1 minute (in a rolling boil) before you use it if you don’t have access to other water sources.
  • Always wait until a licensed water-well contractor has looked at your well and the floodwater has been flushed or purged from the casing and then shocked, chlorinated and tested.

If my water well has flooded, what do I need to do to the well and pump?

When flood waters carry wood, animal and human waste, and other debris this can cause damage to the structure of the well and of course contaminate the well water.  Contact a licensed water-well contractor when the flood waters have gone down and get them to check your well system. The pump should be cleaned and any soil or sand should be removed. DO NOT attempt to turn on the pump if it has been in water. Make sure the wiring system has been checked by a qualified electrician or a licensed water-well contractor.  There is a risk of being electrocuted and also damaging the well and pump.

Do I need to have my well and plumbing disinfected?

If your well has become flooded, then the whole plumbing system connected to it needs to be shock chlorinated.  For more information about shock chlorination and how it works, call a licensed water-well contractor.

Do I need to have my well water tested?

Before you use your well again, have the water tested for bacteria.  You can get bottles and instructions for testing from a Public Health Office.

 

How do I protect my well from flooding in the future?

When the floodwater has stopped and the well is back to normal, check with a licensed water-well contractor for more information which may include:

  • Extending your well casing
  • Installing a flood-proof cap with an extended vent
  • Relocating your well
  • Upgrading pit wells

If you have any questions or concerns, call MacKinnon Water Solutions.