What well owners should know about flooding

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Flooding can occur for various reasons. Whatever the cause, a flood can contaminate the water in a well. Toxins may not be detectable by odour, taste or smell, so it’s essential to have well-water tested before consuming if there’s been a flood in your area.

Transcript

00:00Flooding ranks as one of the most damaging forms of natural disasters in

00:04the world, but it's also essential to a healthy natural environment. So, what the

00:10flood? A flood occurs when a normally dry place is covered in water due to

00:15heavier prolonged rainfall or severe storms, rapid snowmelt, ice jams or river

00:23blockages, sea level rise and storm surges, and climate change events like

00:30extreme rainfall, sea levels rising or earlier snowmelt. Flooding can have both

00:36short and long-term impacts on our health, like injuries, food contamination,

00:41poor indoor air quality due to mold growth, mental and physical health issues

00:46and diseases spread from water contamination, sewage backup and an

00:50increased number of insects. Flooding can cause water contamination without any

00:55perceptible change in taste, odor or clarity, so it's a good idea to have a

00:59certified well contractor inspect your well and its wiring before initial use

01:04and following flood events. You can also ensure your water is safe to drink by

01:08having it tested by a certified lab or getting in touch with your local public

01:11health authority. With the right precautions and care, there's a lot we

01:15can do after a flood to avoid illness, reduce the risk of potential hazards and

01:19stay safe and healthy.

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