Private water well owners urged to take precautions - both before and after a flood Other health-related precautions also recommended
State health officials are warning that contaminated private water wells will be a major public concern during the flooding now being predicted for northwestern Minnesota.
Although simply coming in contact with flood water shouldn't pose a significant infectious disease risk, contamination of drinking water is a different matter, according to John Linc Stine, Assistant Commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Well owners are being advised to take steps to deal with potential contamination problems, both before and after the flood.
"If flood waters come within 50 feet of the well casing, your well will have to be pumped out, disinfected and tested before you can start using the water again," Stine said. "If you anticipate flooding, you may also want to take precautions in advance to protect your well. That can make the clean-up process easier later on."
City water systems are unlikely to become contaminated, Stine noted, because city wells are generally well-protected from flooding.
Detailed instructions for disinfecting and testing private wells will be available from the MDH district offices in Bemidji and Fergus Falls. Well owners who expect flooding may also want to seal the top of their wells before the flooding starts to keep sediment and debris out of the well. That won't eliminate the need for disinfection and testing, but it can make the post-flood clean-up go more smoothly.
MDH recommends that well owners take the following steps, if they think their well may be flooded:
Store a supply of clean water before taking your well out of service.
Disconnect the power supply for your well. If you need help, consult with a licensed well contractor or pump installer.
If you have time, have a well contractor install a water-tight seal on your well – replacing the regular vented well cap or seal.
If you don't have time to have a professional install a watertight seal, clean off the outside of the well casing and cover the top of the well with a heavy-duty trash bag or some other form of heavy plastic sheeting. Secure the plastic covering with duct tape or some other type of waterproof tape.
MDH is also recommending a number of other health-related precautions for people in areas that may be subject to flooding.
Before the flooding starts:
Make sure you have an up-to-date individual or family emergency plan – including where you would go and how you would stay in touch with one another, especially if you have to evacuate.
Make sure you have a personal "go kit" that includes items you would need to take with you. Especially make sure to include critical health related items – prescription medicines, extra eyeglasses, special supplies needed for people with chronic health problems, and personal medical records and documents, including an up-to-date personal medical history.
People who use home health services should get in touch with their home health providers, so they will know what to do if they have to evacuate.
If you have time before the flooding actually begins, consider getting your immunizations up-to-date. Check with your physician to find out if you need any shots for diseases like tetanus or diphtheria.
Take any necessary steps to prevent the release of any dangerous chemicals that might be stored on your property in a location subject to flooding.
If possible, before evacuating, turn off gas, electricity, and fuel oil or propane lines.
If you have time, consider moving perishable items, furniture, papers and other valuable items, boxes, area rugs, furniture, unattached building materials and other "soft" items out of the potential path of the flood water. That will help to minimize damage, prevent the growth of mold, and make post-flood clean-up easier.
If possible, stock up on items you may need during clean-up – bleach and other cleaning supplies, sponges, wire brushes, mops, soap, gloves, goggles, boots, and N95 respirator masks, fans, wet/dry vacuums and dehumidifiers can help with the drying process after a flood.
During a flood:
Be sure to observe standard health precautions relating to food and personal hygiene, which are more important than ever during a flood. Simple skin contact with flood water – or even backed-up sewage – shouldn't pose any significant health risk. However, you should always assume that flood water is contaminated. Be sure to wash your hands before eating or drinking, especially if you have been in contact with flood water.
If you need to work around flood water or sewage, wear gloves and rubber boots, and be sure to wash up with soap and water afterward, especially before you eat or drink anything. Again, always assume that flood water is contaminated.
Avoid any unnecessary contact with flood water. In addition to the possibility of contamination, flood water may also conceal hidden injury hazards.
In particular, don't let your children play in or around flood water. Wash any toys that may have been contaminated using soap and water, and then rinse them using a solution of two ounces of bleach in a gallon of water. Throw out any soft toys that children could put into their mouths. And again, make sure your children's hands are properly washed before they eat or drink anything.
Once the flooding starts, getting a tetanus shot or other immunizations should not be your first priority. You'll have other things to do, and you will not be facing a higher-than-normal risk of vaccine-preventable disease because of the flood. If you do sustain an injury during the flood, be sure to get a medical evaluation. There will be time to get a tetanus shot if you need one.
After a flood:
Take proper precautions before moving back into your home. Check for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage. If you weren't able to do it before evacuating, turn off gas, electricity, and fuel oil or propane lines.
Clean out your private sewage systems. If it has been under water, pump out the tank, pumping station and drop boxes before using it again.
Make sure your food is safe. You can keep commercially canned foods – even if they've been in contact with flood water – if you remove the labels, wash them with soap and water, and rinse them with bleach solution. Again, use a solution of two ounces of bleach in a gallon of water. Discard any items that have been in contact with flood water if they are packaged in paper, cardboard boxes, glass jars or other non-waterproof containers. Discard any food items with an unusual odor or appearance, or whose safety is questionable. Always remember: If in doubt, throw it out.
Take appropriate steps to clean up your property, and prevent the growth of mold.
Detailed information about clean-up is available on the MDH web site at www.health.state.mn.us.
