750,000 Private Wells Affected by 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season

(WESTERVILLE, OH – Oct. 24, 2017) – According to the National Ground Water Association (NGWA), thousands of private water wells were flooded during the seventh most active Atlantic hurricane season of record, from June 1-Nov. 30. *

Using the U.S. Census Bureau’s 1990 Household Water Supply Survey, 750,000 or more private wells were potentially impacted by hurricane effects of flooding, high water table connection to septic systems, flood debris damage, or related incidents.

The following numbers of private wells (drilled and dug) were tabulated for counties receiving 10 or more inches of rainfall during the respective hurricanes that struck these states:

  • Texas                            215,906
  • Florida                          306,382
  • South Carolina            92,477
  • North Carolina            150,692

          Total                          765,457

Many household wells were likely affected in Puerto Rico from Hurricane Maria but no county census count was available.  To derive these numbers of wells, state county boundary maps were overlain with National Weather Service rainfall intensity maps to identify the counties and wells potentially affected.

Bacterial contamination in private wells is common following a flood, so disinfection and wellhead repair is important to ensure safe drinking water. Well relocation and elevation may be other options for affected wells. NGWA recommends taking the following steps before and after flooding to protect your wells.

  • Do not drink the water or wash with it, but use an alternative supply such as bottled water
  • Stay away from the well pump while it’s flooded to avoid electrical shock
  • Get a qualified water well contractor or pump installer to —
    • Clean and turn on the pump
    • Flush the well
    • Disinfect the well
    • Perform any other necessary maintenance
  • Check with the local emergency management agency about any guidance relating to local conditions or specific contamination threats due to area flooding.

NGWA’s December issue of Water Well Journal® will have an in-depth case study article by Job on lessons learned from Hurricane Matthew and a sidebar article on groundwater infrastructure resilience.

*According to statistics compiled by Phil Klotzbach, Ph.D, a Colorado State University tropical meteorologist.

The National Ground Water Association is a not-for-profit professional society and trade association for the global groundwater industry. Our members around the world include leading public and private sector groundwater scientists, engineers, water well system professionals, manufacturers, and suppliers of groundwater-related products and services. The Association’s vision is to be the leading groundwater association advocating for responsible development, management, and use of water.

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