What you need to know to stay safe around Whatcom floodwaters
The rain may have stopped, but flood waters remain in communities across Whatcom.
Some of the damage caused by floods is painfully obvious — people get swept away by intense waters, homes and businesses devastated and entire neighborhoods forced to evacuate. But there are also dangers that some may not have considered, such as well and septic system contamination and illness caused by contact with dirty floodwater.
While residents don’t have much control over whether their properties suffer from flood impacts, there are safe ways to deal with the water. Here’s what to do, according to a Whatcom County new release on Tuesday, Nov. 16.
Put away the paddleboard
Some Whatcom residents have taken the flooding as an invitation to recreate, cruising inundated areas with their paddleboards and kayaks. But it’s better to resist that urge, Whatcom officials say — murky floodwaters can carry lots of icky hazards, such as debris, bacteria, needles and trash.
That said, sometimes contact with floodwater is unavoidable, especially as residents clean up their properties. There are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
▪ Wash your hands frequently with soap and water when you come in contact with floodwater.
▪ Wear boots and gloves while cleaning up.
▪Wash all clothes and linens in hot water.
▪Wash all surfaces with hot water and soap. A handy disinfectant for wiping down surfaces can be concocted by combining one cup of bleach with one cup of water.
▪Throw away all food that’s come into contact with water, unless it’s canned food. Make sure you wash the can thoroughly before opening it.
Lost power? If you’re doubting whether certain food in your fridge is safe to eat, it’s better to err on the side of caution and throw it out. Temperature is a crucial factor in determining food safety, and foods that thaw but remain at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below are OK to refreeze when the power returns. Use this guide to determine what to keep:
▪ 0-2 hours without power, OK for temps 45 degrees or below to 51 degrees or above.
▪ 2-4 hours without power, OK for temps 45 degrees or below to 50 degrees or above. Above 51 degrees, throw it away.
▪ Over 4 hours without power, OK for temps 45 degrees or below. Above 46 degrees, throw it away.
If your drinking water well is flooded, do not drink the water until it has been serviced and disinfected. Until then, drink bottled or purified water.
Stay away from the well pump, and turn off the electricity to avoid electric shock.
Find a qualified well contractor or pump installer to:
▪ Clean, dry and re-establish electrical service to the pump.
▪ Disinfect and flush the well to remove any contamination that entered during the flood.
▪ Perform any other necessary maintenance. Too much sediment in water can cause pump damage or failure, and Whatcom officials recommend you use professional contractors to assess and fix your pump.
When the pump is back on, pump the well until water runs clear to rid the well of floodwater. If your water is still murky, have it tested before drinking.
What if your drinking water comes from a public water system? Use the contact information on your water bill to find out if it’s safe to drink.
The public can reach a Whatcom drinking water public health specialist at 360-778-6000. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more information on disinfecting your well after a flood.
Septic tank safety
Avoid or limit use of your septic system, since too much water in the septic drain field can cause the system to overload and back up into your home. That means you should limit the use of showers, washing machines and sinks. The Washington State Department of Health has guidance on how to use the bathroom when your toilet isn’t working or you’re trying to limit toilet use.
The department’s advice includes using a working toilet at a business or friend’s house, modifying your toilet to collect the waste without flushing, using a five-gallon bucket or digging a hole (as long as you do it responsibly).
You can use your septic system again when the ground has dried. Make sure to check that electrical connections are not damaged before turning the system on, and don’t forget to turn the pump on.
If silt and debris have made their way into your septic tank, have the system pumped as soon as you can. (But only open the tank when water has receded and the area isn’t saturated.) Also, check for blockages of floating scum in the outlet tee or baffle.
Don’t touch sewage that has backed up into the house — it can contain disease-causing organisms.
Reach out to a professional in the following cases:
▪ Water over the drain field doesn’t recede after the rain stops.
▪ You smell a sewage odor.
▪ Wastewater or sewage backs up into the house.
▪ The drains run slowly, especially after doing laundry or taking a shower.
▪ You notice soggy areas with surfacing sewage in your yard.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has advice on how to care for your septic system after a flood, and Whatcom septic experts can be reached at 360-778-6000.
