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Prepare before flooding by:
Chemical releases and spills, agricultural waste leakage, and other contimations are common in private wells during local flooding. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) rules and Idaho laws protecting public drinking water systems do not apply to individual water systems, such as privately owned wells. As an individual water system owner, it is up to you to make sure that your water is safe to drink.
Even dur5ng non-flood years it is important to test your well water at least once every 12 months for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels. Because floods can bring in many other contiminants it's a good idea to test your water again for any suspected contaminents, especially if you notice a change in your water quality (i.e., taste, color, odor). See the links below for more helpful information in determing when to test your water, what to test for, how to perform a quality water test, and how to disinfect your well if necessary:
When and how to test your well water
Local well testing
Disinfecting Wells after a disaster
For other questions related to drinking water from private wells call: 208-737-5913. Please contact your standard system operator with any questions about water from a municipal system.
Septic systems rely on healthy drainfields and septic tanks. Local flooding can septic backup into homes, leakage into the surrounding area, and expensive damage to sections of your septic system. Use the links below to learn what to do if your area is flooding, and what to do after the flooding event is over.
CDC guidance
For questions related to septic tanks call: 208-737-5981.
Local emergency managers, preparedness teams, and city response teams all play an important part in emergency response. Please see your local emergency contact for questions about flooding risk in your area, flooding relief help, and other questions:
Blaine County flooding website.
Camas County website.
Cassia County Emergency Management website.
Gooding County Emergency Management website.
Jerome County Emergency Management website.
Lincoln County Emergency Management website.
Minidoka County Emergency Management website.
Twin Falls County flood recovery website.
Twin Falls County Emergency Management website.
County Emergency Managers contact list.
National Guidance.
Flooding can dislodge large objects (like trees and structures), cause chemical spills, create sewage and septic backups, and cause a number of other health risks. When cleaning up from a natural disaster, like flooding, it's important to take precautions to protect your health. Please check with local leaders and news stations to keep track of any ongoing health or safety threats in your area.
CDC cleanup tips.
What to do with your septic system after flooding.