WQA Resources – Hurricane Idalia

Drinking water can become contaminated during and after flooding

LISLE, Ill. – Flood resources, including a video called “Five Things to Know About Water After a Flood,” are available from the Water Quality Association to help ensure a safer water supply during severe flooding following the impact of Hurricane Idalia.

Idalia is packing powerful winds as a Category 3 storm as it pounds Florida’s Big Bend region, where the Florida Panhandle transitions to the Florida Peninsula. Floods, strong winds and possible tornadoes were expected in Florida and parts of Georgia and South Carolina.

“Extensive flooding is always a concern, especially for residents on private well supplies,” said Eric Yeggy, WQA Technical Affairs Director. “Homeowners who get their water from municipal water systems should be alert for any instructions issued by their local officials.”

In the flood video, Yeggy offers five quick tips on ensuring quality drinking water during flooding or when power outages affect filtration systems. WQA also offers a consumer resource on drinking water in hurricanes here.

Well owners affected by the storm are encouraged to test their systems and seek appropriate remedies as soon as possible. During and after flooding, water can become contaminated with microorganisms such as bacteria, sewage, heating oil, agricultural or industrial waste, chemicals and other substances that can cause serious illness.

Residents on public water supplies should be alert for local boil water orders. Flooding can cause disruptions with a municipal water source, prompting officials to issue boil water orders in many communities. A WQA guide to boil water order notices can be found here.

The safety of a home’s water supply, whether private or municipal, may be affected by power outages. If there are any concerns about the quality of one’s water, WQA recommends residents use bottled water for drinking and cooking until they know their tap water is safe.

WQA is a not-for-profit trade association representing the residential, commercial, and industrial water treatment industry. WQA’s education and professional certification programs have been providing industry-standardized training and credentialing since 1977.  The WQA Gold Seal certification program has been certifying products that contribute to the safe consumption of water since 1959. The WQA Gold Seal program is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Standards Council of Canada (SCC). WQA publishes a consumer-friendly website, BetterWaterToday.org.