With heavy rains, private drinking water wells can become contaminated from pollutants in the flood water or surface water runoff. Learn what steps you can take to ensure a safe drinking water supply for your family.
Steps should be taken to minimize damage to homes in the path of floodwaters. Clean-up will be easier and less costly if the following measures are taken.
Preparing to Evacuate a Farm / Ranch - from North Dakota State University
Before the Flood - Videos from NDSU
- Planning Ahead: Portable Generator Safety
- Sump Pump Tips
- Plugging Home Drains to Prevent Sewage Backup
Folks waiting for flood waters to recede can start preparing to clean up homes and property by locating and organizing essential tools and equipment. Carol Welte, UNL Extension Educator, shares a list of items recommended specifically for entering and cleaning up flood damaged property.
When a private drinking water well is at risk of inundation by flood waters: (photo by Rachael Wright)
- Store an emergency drinking water supply (NebGuide: Drinking Water: Storing an Emergency Supply)
- Protect the well from flood water
- Avoid using the well water during flood conditions
- Manage the system after the flood to ensure safe drinking water
- See additional resources
If the area around a septic system is flooded or saturated, the system cannot work properly. Steps can be taken before, during, and after flooding to prevent untreated wastewater from being returned to groundwater.
(Photo by Sharon Skipton)
Direct questions to your local University of Nebraska - Lincoln Extension Office or contact us at:
211 Agricultural Hall
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE, USA 68583-0703