Montgomery County Offers Post-Hurricane Tips Concerning Water Usage

Citing unknown amounts of raw sewage and waste chemicals that may be present in floodwater stemming from Hurricane Irene, the Montgomery County Health Department recommends that county residents steer clear of recreational contact with flood waters.

This applies to both surface waterways and standing surface water remaining from the flood.

To protect the health and safety of all residents, the county health suggests avoiding the following:

• Boating or rowing
• Swimming, wading or contact with water
• Fishing or consumption of fish caught in these waters
• Keep pets out of water

Recent heavy rains from Hurricane Irene flooded low-lying areas and areas near surface waterways. For those properties served by private water supplies, these wells may become covered by floodwater, which poses a public health hazard. Wells inundated by floodwater may be contaminated and should not be used until tested. For those affected by submerged private wells, the Montgomery County Health Department offers the following advice:

• Do not drink the water from your well. Consume only bottled water.
• Boil all water that you plan to use for consumption for two-five minutes. Allow the water to cool sufficiently before use to avoid scalding.
• Once flood waters have receded, inspect your well to ensure that it has not been damaged. If there is damage, contact a well drilling contractor and continue to drink bottled water until the well is repaired.
• As a precautionary measure, run the water from an outside garden hose spigot until the water is clear and free of mud and sediments. Water should not be consumed until it is tested and/or shock chlorinated.
• Conduct shock chlorination individually or contact a professional well driller or plumbing contractor and have your well disinfected by chlorination. The well must remain unused for eight to 24 hours once shock chlorination is completed. Purge the water until the chlorine is out of the system. Wait several days after chlorination and have the water tested for potability.

The health department acknowledges that during a flood emergency, contact with flood waters may be unavoidable during clean-up activities. As such, take universal precautions and wear disposable gloves, wash hands with potable water and avoid any flood water ingestion. 

For further information of flood clean-up procedures, visit the Web siteor call (610) 278-5117.