LINCOLN, Neb. — Floodwater and runoff from the recent heavy rains throughout some areas Nebraska may potentially carry multiple pollutants with it. During floods water comes in contact with many things it normally would not, including but not limited to untreated septic waste, animal waste, gasoline, chemical and fuel storage facilities, and more. If your private drinking water well has been impacted by floodwater, your water supply may have been contaminated with pollutants carried in the floodwater, thus making it unsafe for consumption.
Nebraska Extension’s Disaster Education team has put together water treatment options, including shock chlorination, for contaminated (or potentially contaminated) water.
Wells at greatest risk of contamination from floodwater or surface water runoff include:
- Wells that were submerged with flood water or surface water runoff
- Wells located in a pit (where a wellhead, and possibly other well equipment, are located in a below-ground enclosure)
- Dug wells or any wells that do not have a watertight casing
- Wells that do not have watertight, secure cover or cap
- Wells constructed prior to 1986. (Prior to water well construction regulations in Nebraska, construction practices did not have a mandatory grout seal in the annular space around the well casing, making it less resistant to having surface runoff or floodwaters enter the well.)
MANAGING WELLS…