Take health precautions after the flood | Health

From Benton County

The Benton County Health Department is receiving reports of basement flooding in some residences. 

Often the source of this flooding is from sewage or combined storm water systems that have become overwhelmed because of regional flooding. It is best to assume that any flood water may contain dangerous bacteria or chemicals. If possible avoid contact with flood water. If you must work in flood waters wear boots, gloves and protective clothing to offer increased protection. Wash with soap and water as soon as possible after exposure to reduce your risk of becoming ill.

Cloudy or muddy water are signs that a well might have been contaminated by flood water, surface water or shallow groundwater. If there is doubt about the safety of well water, it should not be used for drinking purposes or preparing food. The best way to determine if well water is safe is to have an approved drinking water laboratory test a sample for coliform bacteria.

The following are guidelines to disinfect well water supplies and minimize the risks of contamination. Prior to any maintenance work, have a qualified electrician or well/pump contractor restore any electrical services that have been turned off due to the flood.

How to disinfect well water after the floods:

• If water is muddy or cloudy, run the water from an outside spigot with a hose attached until the water becomes clear and free of sediments.
• Determine the type of well and how to pour bleach into the well. Some wells have a sanitary seal with either an air vent or a plug that can be removed for pouring the bleach into the well.
• For many private wells mixing 4 cups of bleach with 5 gallons of water will be enough to treat 200 gallons of water. Carefully pour the bleach down into the well casing using a funnel if needed.
• After the bleach has been added, run water from an outside hose into the well casing until the smell of chlorine comes from the hose. Then turn off the outside hose.
• Turn on all cold water faucets, inside and outside of house, until the chlorine odor is detected in each faucet; then shut them all off.
• Wait at least 8 hours before turning the faucets back on. It is important not to drink, cook, bathe or wash with this water during the time period – it contains high amounts of chlorine.
• Turn on all faucets and thoroughly flush the system until there is no longer a chlorine odor.
• Have your water tested for bacteria 7 to 10 days after disinfection.
• Sample for total coliforms. A good sample location is a bathroom faucet with the aerator removed. Wait until lab results are negative for total coliform before using the water for drinking or eating purposes.

Note: Well disinfection will not provide protection from pesticides, heavy metals and other types of non-biological contamination. If such contamination is suspected, special treatment is required.

Septic Systems Maintenance after Flooding. Minimizing the Risk of Well Water Contamination.

• Do not use the sewage system until water in the soil absorption field is lower than the water level around the house.
• Have the septic tank professionally inspected and serviced if damage is suspected. Signs of damage include settling or an inability to accept water. Most septic tanks are not damaged by flooding since they are below ground and completely covered. However, septic tanks and pump chambers can fill with silt and debris, and must be professionally cleaned. If the soil absorption field is clogged with silt, a new system may have to be installed.
• Do not compact the soil over the soil absorption field by driving or operating equipment in the area. Saturated soil is especially susceptible to compaction, which can reduce the soil absorption field’s ability to treat wastewater and lead to system failure.

Water levels appear to be receding. The Willamette River is not expected to reach flood stage and the Marys and Luckiamute rivers have already peaked. Even though flooding appears to be less of a risk, high winds tonight through tomorrow morning could knock over trees, possibly taking out trees and causing power outages. Landslides also are possible. McDonald-Dunn Forest has been closed until further notice.

Residents should be prepared for this to occur tonight. It is recommended to keep a five-day supply of water and nonperishable food items that are compact, lightweight and nutritional, taking into account the family’s tastes and unique needs. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. Foods that are high in calories and nutrition should be included. Preparation kits also should include flashlights, light sticks, candles, extra batteries and battery-powered radios.

If the power goes out, people should take the following steps:

• Check the fuse or breaker box.
• Call the utility company.
• Turn off all electrical equipment.
• Turn on a porch light and one inside light so utility crews know when service is restored.
• Listen to the radio for updates.

NEVER touch a downed powerline and expect every line to be live. If a line is touching someone, stay away. You cannot help. Call 911 for emergency assistance. If a powerline falls across your vehicle, do not get out. Wait for assistance to arrive.

A complete listing of current road conditions in Corvallis and Benton County can be located by high water and flooding.  The current list of high water locations can be found by going to the City of Corvallis website at www.ci.corvallis.or.us/hazards or the Benton County Public Works Site www.co.benton.or.us/pw/index.php.  Residents can also call a Benton County Public Works information line at 541-766-6821 to report problems.  An information line at 541-766-6120 is available to residents of the city and county to call for updated information regarding flooding, road closures, and travel restrictions.

All public safety entities in Corvallis and Benton County would like to remind drivers to exercise caution driving on the streets and highways in Corvallis and Benton County.  Be on the look-out for police officers and flaggers directing traffic in the area, especially in the hours of darkness. Do not drive into standing water since it is difficult to gauge the depth, and vehicles can be swept away in less than 2 feet of water.