After a flood: Dirty Waters and Thirst
Extension Calling: advice for the farm, garden, and home
English - April 04, 2024 19:24 - 1 minute - 907 KB - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsEducation Business extension garden wvu agriculture anr education farm home osu Homepage Download Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Most counties experiencing a flood will be under a boil order until plant operations can be restored.
Use bottled water, clear water that has been boiled for 5-10 minutes, or chemically disinfected water (5 drops of liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water) for handwashing, food prep, and drinking.
Undamaged water heaters often hold water but it should still be boiled before drinking. Before using your tap water check that water lines and sewer lines are undamaged. If you do find damage to your lines, contact your local water company.
Flood waters can creep into wellheads and wells should be tested before drinking their water. Your county health department can assist with well testing.
Animals and livestock should also not drink flood waters as they can contain toxic chemicals and high levels of bacteria. Move livestock to watering areas fed by springs or unaffected by flood waters.
Learn more at your local extension office, or online at https://extension.wvu.edu/community-business-safety/disaster-preparedness/flooding