Water and Wells During a Disaster
Following natural disasters and other types of emergencies, drinking water in affected areas may become contaminated and cause outbreaks of disease. Problems with sanitation, including lack of water, toilet facilities, or damaged water wells can also increase the likelihood of waterborne disease.
Quick Tips:
Detailed Information:
- Flood Precautions for Private Water Wells
- Bacterial Safety of Well Water
- Bottled Water: Questions and Answers
- Disinfecting Flooded Wells - for private wells (Condensed Version)
- Well and Water System Disinfection for Private Wells (Detailed Version)
- Well Disinfection - for public noncommunity wells (PDF: 1.53MB/6 pages)
More MDH Information:
- Licensed/Registered Well Contractor Directory
- Sealing Unused Wells: Protecting the Groundwater is Everybody's Business
- Well Construction
- Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program - Search for Accredited Laboratories (for testing your well water)
- Delegated Well Programs (Well Regulation by Local Government)
- Contacting the Well Management Section (private wells)
- About Our Programs: Contact By Topic - Drinking Water Protection (public wells)
Non-MDH Resources:
- U of M Extension: Safe Drinking Water from Wells in Flooded Areas
- U of M Extension: Ensure Safe Drinking Water After a Flood
- Redcross: Water Treatment
- CDC: Food, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Information for Use Before and After a Disaster or Emergency - Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
