Back to SearchKINGSTON - Due to the substantial amount of rainfall our area has experienced, all residents utilizing wells are encouraged to sample their water at this time.
Residents affected by flooding should take the following precautions:
Sewage Systems
A flooded sewage system will not function properly and can cause problems such as a sewage backup in your home, and contamination of your well water supply. During a flood:
- Do not use the system if it is covered in water. If you must use the system, limit water use as much as possible.
- Avoid pumping out your septic tank. Flood waters can force an empty tank out of the ground, causing damage.
- Do not use heavy machinery near the tank or leaching bed, as this could damage the system.
- If flood water enters your home, do not pump it back into the sewage system.
When the flood conditions have ended, you can use your sewage system again. If you experience problems with sinks not draining or sewage backups, contact a licensed sewage system pumper or installer to inspect and service your sewage system.
Water Affected by Flooding
After a flood, water may not be safe to drink, clean with, or bathe in. Water can become contaminated with bacteria, viruses or parasites, and other substances that can cause illness or death.
If you have a municipal water supply
Listen to and follow public announcements. Local authorities will tell you if municipal tap water is safe to use. If the water is not safe to use, follow instructions given by local authorities to use boiled (1-minute rolling boil) water or an alternate water supply such as bottled water for cooking or preparing food, making baby formula, washing dishes, cleaning, brushing your teeth, washing your hands, making ice, and bathing.
If you have a well or cistern water supply
If your well or cistern has been flooded, it may be contaminated. Until you can get your well tested to ensure it is safe to drink, you should use boiled (1-minute rolling boil) water or an alternate water supply such as bottled water for cooking or preparing food, making baby formula, washing dishes, cleaning, brushing your teeth, washing your hands, making ice, and bathing.
Boiling water, when practical, is the preferred way to kill harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites. Bringing water to a rolling boil for 1-minute will kill most organisms. Boiling will not remove chemical contaminants. If you suspect or are informed that the water is contaminated with chemicals, seek another source of water, such as bottled water.
Do not rely on water disinfection methods or devices that have not been recommended by your local public health agency.
Once the flood waters have receded, your well or cistern will need to be disinfected. Refer to KFL&A Public Health’s website at www.kflaph.ca/floods . Water can be used without boiling once the well or cistern has been disinfected and two consecutive, satisfactory laboratory test results are received.
Well users should get a qualified technician to check their well pumps if they think electrical parts may have been damaged in the flood.
Mould
Water from flood conditions can cause mould growth in your home. To prevent this, remove standing water and ensure all wet items are thoroughly dried within 48 hours. Remove affected drywall up to 30 cm (12 inches) above the flood water level. Items that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried within 48 hours should be discarded.
As flood waters can be contaminated with sewage, use personal protective equipment such as gloves, rubber boots, and respirator masks during clean up.
For further information please refer to KFL&A Public Health’s website www.kflaph.ca/floods
KFL&A area residents with specific questions are encouraged to contact KFL&A Public Health directly by phone at 613-549-1232.
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