Information Regarding Septic System and Well Safety
April 5, 2010
As we begin to recover from the recent flooding into our homes and property, it is important to remember the safety of your wells and septic systems. Should you have any suspicion of bacterial contamination, it is imperative that you take the following steps to insure your well and septic system are safe.
Wells:
If there is suspicion that your well may be contaminated, do not drink the
water (most dug wells or drilled wells where the cap was partially or completely
submerged); it is advised that you have your well tested. For a list of local
certified labs for testing well water, click here.
Once your well has been tested and there is evidence of bacterial contamination, you will need to decontaminate it. For information on how to disinfect your well, click here (pdf file).
In addition, this is a good opportunity for a dug well be upgraded to a drilled well, buried well caps be extended 6” above grade with a sanitary well cap, or a property be connected to public water (if applicable). Please be aware that all of these require a permit from a licensed well driller for upgrade and/or abandonment of existing wells.
Septic Systems:
Several septic systems have become inundated and or backed-up into houses
due to the flood.
Unfortunately, time is the best remedy for this, as in wait for the water to drop and eventually the leaching system will start to dry out and become functional. We recommend systems that were inundated or backed-up into houses be inspected by a licensed septic installer as soon as possible.
If sewage backed-up into the house, it should be pumped out and all surfaces that are smooth and easily cleanable should be cleaned with a bleach solution. All non-cleanable surfaces should be discarded. It is recommended that sewage back-ups be cleaned by professional cleaner services.
Should you have any further questions or require more assistance, please contact Senior Sanitarians George Calkins or Ryan McCammon.
Posted 7 April 2010