Safeguarding Your Well & Septic System Against Flooding Hazards

What is happening?

More intense and frequent storms are causing increased flooding events due to a warming climate. These floods threaten the safety and function of private wells and septic systems.

Potential Risks

• Contamination of groundwater with pollutants and pathogens leading to health hazards
• Sewage backups into home
• Damage to infrastructure leading to costly repairs

Did you know?

20% of Virginians rely on private water sources.

Important!

Homeowners are responsible for maintaining and testing private wells and septic systems. It is important to test your private well water annually AND after a flood.

BE PREPARED!

Private Well Maintenance:

• Ensure casing extends at least a foot above ground and you have a sanitary, sealed well cap (drilled well) or sealed concrete cover (bored well)
• Ensure there is no route for water to get into the well by installing backflow preventers, sealing electrical conduits, and checking the condition of the casing
• Test for bacteria annually and other contaminants every few years

Before Impending Storm / Flood:

• Consider installing a generator to power well pump
• Disconnect water treatment equipment and plug any plumbing opening; turn off breaker
• Store enough bottled water for three days—1 gallon per day per person and pet
• Fill bathtub, buckets or coolers with non-drinking water for washing and flushing toilet

After Storm / Flood:

• Follow all emergency services recommendations
• Once safe, inspect well and electrical for damage
• Do not use water if flooding has occurred near wellhead
• Have well drilling contractor flush and shock chlorinate if well has been flooded
• Have well water tested for bacteria before usage

What is a septic system?

An onsite system which treats wastewater from homes that aren’t connected to municipal sewer systems. Septic tanks are typically buried in the ground.

BE PREPARED!

Septic System Maintenance:

• Keep trees and plants away from septic system components—roots can cause damage
• Check manholes and inspection ports to ensure they are properly secured
• Check electrical components are properly buried or off of the ground
• Look for eroded areas or wet spots above septic system
• Follow recommended maintenance for your system; contact VDH Environmental Health for more information

Before Impending Storm / Flood:

• Check vents, caps, lids, etc. are secured
• Avoid having tank pumped immediately before potential flooding because empty tanks will float
• Have septic system manuals, maintenance logs, warranties and copies of permits in a safe place
• Understand your system and know its components
• Consider a generator if system requires electricity—have an electrician connect

After Storm / Flood:

• Do not drink or cook with well water until it has been tested due to potential contamination from the septic system
• Reduce water usage as much as possible until water table drops enough for septic system to begin operating correctly
• Have your system professionally inspected and serviced if you suspect it has been damaged

Septic System Tips

• Only put flushable items down drains or toilets in the home
• Have your system pumped out every 3-5 years to remove sludge and prevent contamination of drainlines

Did you know?

 1.1 million homes in Virginia use septic systems.

More Information

Septic system best management practices, visit: https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/SPES/spes-380/spes-380.html

What happens if my septic system fails, visit: https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/pubs_ext_vt_edu/en/SPES/spes-379/spes-379.html

VDH onsite wastewater, visit: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/onsite-sewage-water-services/

For a full reference list, visit https://www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu/files/disasterprep_Infographic_References.pdf

This document was created by Scott Vogel, Environmental Health Coordinator, Private Wells, Erin Ling, Sr. Extension Specialist, Dr. Philip Brown, Extension Specialist Soils and Septics, and Christy Meek, MPH, Environmental Health Specialist.