Flooded Groundwater Wells After a Hurricane: What You Must Do to Stay Safe

Your Well Water Could Be Contaminated — Even If It Looks Clear

After a hurricane or major flood, your well may look untouched — but the water inside it could be dangerously contaminated.

Floodwaters can carry sewage, chemicals, bacteria, and heavy metals into groundwater sources. For well owners, especially those with shallow wells, this poses a serious threat to health, safety, and long-term water quality.

Let’s break down why this happens, what’s at risk, and the exact steps to take before using your well again.

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How Hurricanes and Floods Contaminate Wells

Floodwaters are a toxic mix of:

• Raw sewage from septic overflows and sewer backups

• Animal waste from agricultural runoff

• Household chemicals and fuels from garages, sheds, and roadways

• Industrial and agricultural pollutants

All of these can seep into groundwater and infiltrate wells — especially shallow wells, which are closest to the surface and most vulnerable to infiltration.

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Why Shallow Wells Are at Higher Risk

Shallow wells (typically less than 50 feet deep) are:

• Closer to floodwater and surface contaminants

• Less protected by natural filtration layers (soil, rock)

• Often older or poorly sealed

Even minimal flooding near your wellhead can result in dangerous contamination, especially if the well cap isn’t sealed or floodwaters covered the casing.

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Power Outages Compound the Danger

Without power, disinfection systems and filtration units stop working — and stagnant water in the system becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.

If your well:

• Uses UV disinfection, chlorination, or filtration,

• Or relies on electric pumps,

…you should assume that all safety systems were compromised until tested, restarted, and verified.

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Step-by-Step: What to Do After a Flooded Well Event

1️⃣ Stop Using Your Well Immediately

Assume the water is unsafe for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or bathing.

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2️⃣ Test for Bacterial and Chemical Contaminants

Look for:

• Total coliform and E. coli (pathogens)

• Nitrates, heavy metals, and VOCs (chemical contamination)

Tip: Shallow wells may require multiple rounds of testing to confirm long-term safety.

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3️⃣ Disinfect the Well Properly

If contamination is found, work with a qualified professional to:

• Shock chlorinate or chemically flush the well

• Remove stagnant water and biofilms

• Avoid over-dosing, which can cause secondary chemical reactions

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4️⃣ Inspect All System Components

• Check pumps, pressure tanks, pipes, seals, and electrical connections

• Ensure your filtration and disinfection systems are operational and online

• Repair or replace compromised parts before restarting use

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5️⃣ Monitor and Retest Regularly

Contamination doesn’t always disappear after one remediation. Groundwater can shift and reintroduce bacteria or chemicals weeks after a flood.

We recommend:

• Initial post-storm testing

• Follow-up tests at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months

• Ongoing quarterly monitoring for shallow or high-risk wells

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What’s in Floodwater? Know Your Risks

Even “clear” water may carry invisible threats. Do not assume your well is safe based on appearance alone.

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How BCG Water Helps After a Hurricane

We assist homeowners, estates, and private systems with:

• Emergency well testing coordination

• Comprehensive contaminant analysis

• Safe well disinfection and flushing protocols

• Pump and filtration system inspections

• Long-term monitoring plans for shallow and high-risk wells

We’ll help you move from crisis to confidence — with clear, fast, expert support when it matters most.

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Call to Action (CTA)

Was your well impacted by flooding or a hurricane?
👉 Schedule an Emergency Well Safety Review with BCG Water today.
Don’t wait to protect your water, your health, and your family.