After a Flood - Drinking Water Guidelines
Water may not be safe to drink, clean with, or bathe in after an emergency such as a flood. During and after a disaster, water can become contaminated with microorganisms, such as bacteria, sewage, agricultural or industrial waste, chemicals, and other substances that can cause illness or death.
People with drinking water wells in flooded areas should assume that their water is contaminated, and take precautions to protect health if any of the following conditions exist:
- if the well is in close proximity to flooded areas.
- if there has been a change in water quality (odor or taste).
- drinking
- cooking
- making juice or ice
- washing fruits and vegetables
- brushing teeth
Disinfection of Private Wells
Our fact sheet on disinfecting drinking water has detailed information about testing for contamination and disinfecting contaminated wells.
For More Information
For a free water testing kit, contact your Town Health Officer or your local District Office of the Vermont Department of Health.
If you have questions, please call 1-800-439-8550 (VT only) or 802-863-7220
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.