How to Protect Your Well Water Systems during Florida’s Hurricane Season

It’s the start of summer, which means it’s also the start of hurricane season here in Florida. Well pump owners in Gainesville and the rest of north Florida know that even though we’re not directly on the coast, we can still feel the impact of a hurricane. 

As well pump technicians with over 30 years of experience, we have seen the damage a hurricane can bring to a well pump system. From preparing before the storm to well water testing after the storm has passed, here is how you can ensure your water supply is protected this hurricane season.

Should You Perform Well Water Testing During Hurricane Season?

Yes, you’ll want to do water quality testing before and after the storm, especially if you’re in the direct path of a storm. With heavy rain, certain contaminants may find their way into your well water. Discoloration can be a sign of contamination, and without proper treatment, someone may become ill. 

Brown well water is sometimes the result of rainwater infiltrating from the surface, but it could also be caused by a nearby failing septic system being overwhelmed by the rain. If you ever find your water to be a different color or shade, never drink the water until you’ve had it tested by a professional.

You can prevent the risk of well contamination with proper pump maintenance during the rainy season. To begin, you should inspect your pump regularly so that you can become aware if anything goes wrong. Second, ensure that the area surrounding your pump is clear of excrement, pesticides, trash, and other possible contaminants. It’s also essential to maintain proper drainage away from the well, as contaminated rainwater can quickly run into your well water if not kept in check.

6 Ways to Prepare Your Water Systems for Florida’s Hurricane Season

Besides regularly testing maintenance, there are other ways you can prepare your home’s water systems. Hurricanes can often cause issues with the water supply, so you’ll want to be stocked up and prepared to face anything, even an emergency well pump repair.

1. Clean The Area Around Your Well Pump System

Cleaning up the area around your well system prevents damage that might be caused by flying debris. Sticks, rocks, and other debris can be picked up by fast flood waters or high winds, causing loosened well hardware, dislodging well construction materials, or damaging casing.

2. Prepare for the Worst before a Storm Comes

It is always wise to plan ahead for the next storm rather than reacting to damage. One way to help your well be prepared is to allow Perry’s to install straw pumps for you. These hand pumps will enable you to access your water even when there is no power supply running to your well. 

3. Fill Your Tub & Stock Up on Spring Water

It’s common for flooding to occur in your well during a hurricane. We recommend that you stock up on spring water for drinking, cooking, and bathing. The National Hurricane Survival Initiative recommends stocking up on one gallon of water per person per day.

Another tip is to fill up your tubs with well water before a storm. You can use this water to flush toilets and take sponge baths. Just don’t drink the water, as it is not safe to drink after it’s been exposed to the air for too long. If you want to have tap water on reserve for drinking, seal it in unused jars or containers. 

4. Do Not Use Electrical Systems After a Hurricane

If your area was flooded, do not turn on your electrical system, even if the waters have receded and your system seems dry. Even if it looks safe, there may still be moisture in the system that could cause electrocution or an electrical fire. You will need to have an inspection performed by a qualified electrician or well pump contractor.

When checking out your well, some signs that it has been compromised include cracks in the well casing or cap, or obvious erosion around the well. Take the opportunity to remove any fallen debris near the well casing and then regrade the soil surrounding the well to redirect flowing water away from the well.

5. Perform a Water Test Post-Hurricane

When your property has been through a hurricane, the most important thing to remember is that you should not drink the well water until a certified technician has inspected it for well water contamination. That is because a hurricane can introduce bacteria and other contaminants into your well water that may even be invisible to the naked eye. Drinking contaminated water can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, or headaches. 

Until you are able to have your water tested and cleared by a professional, you can use your well water if it has been boiled for at least a minute. For cleaning purposes, you can stir a teaspoon of unscented bleach into a gallon of water, letting the water sit for half an hour and repeating the process if necessary. 

You can obtain a water test kit from the Florida Department of Environmental Health and send in the samples for $20–$30. We also offer well water testing if you’d prefer to have your water tested and well disinfected by a local professional.

6. Prepare for Emergency Disinfection

After the power has been restored, you will need to disinfect your well. It is best to have your well disinfected by a professional, but during an emergency, it may not be possible to contact someone. In this case, you can refer to the CDC’s guide on how to disinfect your well. 

It’s important to keep in mind that an emergency disinfection will not remove other contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, or other types of non-biological contaminants. Make sure you perform a water test before you drink or cook with any water.

Perry’s Keeps Your Pump Running, No Matter the Weather

At Perry’s Pump Repair, our knowledgeable team helps homeowners like you in Gainesville, Florida, be confident in the water you and your family consume and use in your home, during hurricane season and beyond. 

We are on your side to keep your well pump equipment running smoothly and your water clean. Contact us for all of your well pump needs to ensure it is in the best possible shape to withstand any storm that comes our way.