• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

To Honor and Protect the Ranching Way of Life

  • Home
  • Who We Are
    • Why Join
    • Leadership
    • Staff
    • Partners
    • FAQs
    • Newsroom
    • Sponsorships
    • Employment
  • What We Do
    • Theft and Law
    • Issues and Policy
    • Education
    • Students and Young Professionals
    • The Cattleman Magazine
    • Disaster Relief Fund
    • Cattle Raisers Insurance
    • Cattle Raisers Trading Co
  • Events
    • Cattle Raisers Convention
    • Policy Conference
    • Summer Meeting
    • Ranch Gatherings
    • Ranching 101
  • Join
  • Member Center
  • TSCRA Store
  • Show Search
Hide Search

Dealing with a flooded well after a storm

Access to clean, safe water for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene is one of the primary concerns immediately following a flood. For those who rely on private wells for their water supply, this means taking precautions to ensure the well is structurally sound and the water is not contaminated.
Bacterial contamination is a pressing concern when it comes to flooded wells. There also could be chemical contaminants in the water, said Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension housing and consumer specialist.
“After a flood, it’s best to hold off on using water from your well until you know it’s safe, especially if you suspect it may be contaminated,” Peek said.
Since the force of floodwaters and debris can cause damage to a well, begin with a visual inspection of your well.
“You’ll want to look for any physical damage as well as any signs of leakage,” said Peek. “If you do detect damage or leaks, contact a licensed water well contractor.”
It also is important to check the pump and electrical system. Do not turn the system on until an electrician or pump contractor has inspected the system. Operating the well without cleaning and drying these parts could damage the pump and cause personal injury.
After determining that your well is electrically and mechanically sound, it is a good idea to test water for contamination.
“If the water from the well runs cloudy after a flood, you should test and disinfect the supply. But, keep in mind, even if you can’t see evidence of contamination, there’s still a chance it’s been polluted,” Peek said. “Testing the water is an easy way to ensure it’s safe for you and your family to use.”
OSU Cooperative Extension’s Soil, Water and Forage Analytical Laboratory (www.soiltesting.okstate.edu) offers services at a nominal fee including soil testing, as well as plant, animal waste and water analyses. Samples can be submitted through county Extension offices or directly to the lab.
The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ)  also provides water testing. Contact ODEQ at 405-702-0100, 800-522-0206, www.deq.state.ok.us.
Texas well owners can find more information on water well safety and testing at the Texas Well Owner’s Network at twon.tamu.edu.
For more information on dealing with flooded wells, contact your county’s extension office.

Read more: Dasnr.okstate.edu
 

Written by:
kristin
Published on:
May 15, 2015

Categories: General

Recent Posts

TSCRA commends USDA’s continued border closure to combat spread of New World screwworm

July 10, 2025

FORT WORTH, Texas (July 9, 2025)— Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association President Carl …

Continue Reading about TSCRA commends USDA’s continued border closure to combat spread of New World screwworm

Crime watch: Black Angus bull missing in Coleman County

July 9, 2025

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger HD Brittain, District 19 in West …

Continue Reading about Crime watch: Black Angus bull missing in Coleman County

Texas Ranch Receives Regional Environmental Stewardship Award

July 9, 2025

SAN DIEGO (July 8, 2025) – McFaddin Ranch in Victoria, Texas, was recognized today by the National …

Continue Reading about Texas Ranch Receives Regional Environmental Stewardship Award

Footer

Who We Are

Why Join
Leadership
Staff
Partners
FAQs
Newsroom
Sponsorships
Employment

What We Do

Theft and Law
Issues and Policy
Education
Students and Young Professionals
The Cattleman Magazine
Cattle Raisers Insurance
Cattle Raisers Trading Co.
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Information

Cattle Raisers Blog
News Releases
Bereavements
Events
Sponsorships & Advertisement
Tip Hotline
Get Involved
Links

Membership

Membership Center
Membership Center Instructions
Join
Renew
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

PO BOX 101988
FORT WORTH, TX 76185

1-800-242-7820

© 2023 Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association; All Rights Reserved.

COPYRIGHT | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE