Drinking water can become contaminated during and after flooding
LISLE, Ill – As search and recovery efforts continue following deadly flash flooding in the Hill Country region of south-central Texas, the Water Quality Association is mourning the loss of life and the horrible devastation to the area. In support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, other first responders and local governments, WQA offers resources to help ensure a safer drinking water supply.
“Extensive flooding is always a concern, especially for residents on private well supplies,” said Eric Yeggy, WQA Technical Affairs Director. “Homeowners who get their water from municipal water systems should be alert for any instructions issued by their local officials.”
In a video, ”Five Things to Know About Water After a Flood,” Yeggy offers quick tips on ensuring quality drinking water during flooding or when power outages affect filtration systems. WQA also offers an online consumer resource on drinking water during weather disasters.
Well owners affected by flood are encouraged to test their systems and seek appropriate remedies as soon as possible. During and after flooding, water can become contaminated with microorganisms such as bacteria, sewage, heating oil, agricultural or industrial waste, chemicals and other substances that can cause serious illness.
Residents on public water supplies should be alert for local boil water orders. Flooding can cause disruptions with a municipal water source, prompting officials to issue boil water orders in many communities. A WQA guide to boil water order notices can be found here.
The safety of a home’s water supply, whether private or municipal, may be affected by power outages. If there are any concerns about the quality of one’s water, WQA recommends residents use bottled water for drinking and cooking until they are told it is safe to drink their tap water.
WQA is a not-for-profit trade association representing the residential, commercial, and industrial water treatment industry. WQA’s education and professional certification programs have been providing industry-standardized training and credentialing since 1977. The WQA Gold Seal certification program has been certifying products that contribute to the safe consumption of water since 1959. The WQA Gold Seal program is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Standards Council of Canada (SCC). WQA publishes a consumer-friendly website, BetterWaterToday.org.
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