Here in New England, we’re exposed to quite the lineup of natural disasters: from epic snowstorms and floods to the terrifying winds and associated ravages of hurricanes and even the occasional tornado. Although these violent severe storms are uncommon compared to other parts of the country, they can and do happen.
Homeowners must be concerned with the many parts of their property regarding damage from natural disasters – a private well is right up there. You must ensure that your well system is working to supply water effectively and that your drinking, washing, and cooking water is safe to use on the heels of a storm or flood.
In this post, we’ll run through some of the basics of protecting your well system from natural disasters and assessing it afterward. Remember that Greco & Haines is here to assist with any well related issues, including post-storm or flood evaluations, repairs, upgrades, and well water treatment!
Preparing Home Water Systems for Natural Disasters
Pay close attention to weather forecasts, mindful of advisories, watches, and warnings concerning severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, winter storms, and heavy rainfall. While high winds, lightning, hail, and heavy snow are, of course, significant hazards when it comes to the integrity of your home and other buildings (and your own safety), flooding is of paramount importance concerning your well due to the potential for contamination and electrical and mechanical damage. And everything from a hurricane’s coastal storm surge and torrential rain to a rapid and voluminous snowpack melt-off can cause it.
Make sure you regularly inspect your well system to ensure the wellhead and casing are in good working order and that the ground surface slopes away from the well. A cracked casing, loose well cap, improper grading, or erosion around the well can promote flood water infiltration. It may be a good idea to have your wellI casing elevated above the projected highest flood water level to minimize the odds.
Ahead of potential bad weather or flooding, make sure your emergency kit contains plenty of bottled water: at least three days’ supply per person, and ideally more. A manual hand pump can help you obtain water from your well even if your electrical pump is out of commission during a storm related power outage.
During a snowstorm, keep your wellhead clear of snow as best: partly to lower the odds of contamination and to keep it clear and visible so that future shoveling or plowing doesn’t damage it.
Evaluating Your Well After a Storm or Flood
After a storm or flood, a careful and thorough inspection of the well — and testing of your well water — is essential.
If flooding has occurred, be sure to shut off power to your well before inspecting the area. Don’t turn the pump on until you’re sure the well is not flooded and the electrical system has been checked — ideally by a professional. In general, be watchful of any hazards around the well area when looking things over after a storm, from downed power lines to sharp debris.
Flooding from high water or storm rains/surges may introduce a variety of contaminants to your well. Besides harmful bacteria, these may include any number of toxins. If your well water has a chemical or fuel odor, boiling water — advised after potential flooding to kill microbial organisms — won’t make it safe to use, and professional testing is necessary.
Disinfecting wells is best left to the experts — like the team here at Greco & Haines! After disinfection, well water should also be tested several times to ensure it’s safe.
Also, look for any damage to the wellhead, casing, or scouring around the well following a natural disaster, as repairs may be necessary.
Greco & Haines: Installing, Repairing, and Assessing Well Water Systems Across Connecticut
Whether you need to evaluate and disinfect your well after a storm, test your well water, or upgrade the wellhead or casing to make it more resilient against flooding, look no further than Greco & Haines for the finest water well services in Connecticut! We’re your go to well water specialist for all installation, repair, and testing needs, and we’re available seven days a week and 365 days a year.
Drop us a line over the website, or give us a ring at 203-735-9308, 203-777-2256, or (toll-free from any Connecticut area code) 1-800-922-2958.