October 4, 2024
Media Contacts:
Daniel Hunsucker, LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts, 276-328-8000;
Michael Whitaker, Mount Rogers Health District, 276-780-0109
Virginia Department of Health’s Southwest Health Districts Offer Safety Tips for Private Wells and Septic Systems
WISE, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health’s LENOWISCO, Cumberland Plateau, and Mount Rogers health districts want to advise those in the southwest region who rely on private wells for their water to consider their well contaminated if it is possible the well became submerged during Tropical Storm Helene. Wells that are more than 10 years old or less than 50 feet deep are likely to be contaminated, even if there is no apparent damage.
Floodwater can contain dangerous germs. Drinking from wells after a flood can cause you to become sick. If you have any concerns about your well water, follow health department drinking and bathing recommendations.
Wells may not be a safe source of water for many months after the flood due to bacteria or other contaminants from flood water. Contaminants from agricultural runoff, wastewater from malfunctioning septic tanks, and other household and industrial chemicals seeping into the ground may continue to contaminate the groundwater even after the water was tested and found to be safe. It will be necessary to take long-range precautions, including repeated testing, to protect the safety of your well water.
To keep you and your family healthy and safe, please remember to:
- Stay away from the well pump while flooded to avoid electric shock.
- Do not drink or wash from the flooded well to avoid becoming sick.
- Get assistance from a well or pump contractor to flush and disinfect your well before turning on the pump.
- After the pump is turned back on, pump the well until the water runs clear to rid the well of flood water.
- If the water does not run clear, contact your local health department or extension service.
After the flood, the following steps can help ensure your septic system is safe for use:
- Do not pump your septic tank during flooded or saturated conditions as pumping could cause the tank to float out of the ground causing damage.
- Reduce water use until the ground is dry. If sewage has backed up into the basement, clean the area and disinfect the floor.
- Do not use the sewage system until the flood water has left and the ground around the septic system is relatively dry. Examine all electrical connections for damage before restoring electricity.
- Have the septic tank professionally inspected and serviced if you suspect damage. Only trained specialists should clean or repair septic tanks as they may contain dangerous gases.
- Be sure the manhole cover is secure and that inspection ports have not been blocked or damaged.
- Repair erosion damage and sod or reseed areas as necessary to provide turf grass cover.
For more information, contact your local health department or you may contact the Cumberland Plateau Health District (serving Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell counties) at 276-889-7621; the LENOWISCO health district (serving the counties of Lee, Wise, and Scott and the City of Norton) at 276-328-8000; or the Mount Rogers Health District (serving Bland, Carroll, Grayson, Smyth, Washington, and Wythe counties, and the cities of Bristol and Galax) at 276-236-6127 or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov.