Water Contamination / Drinking Water
You can prepare for potential hazards by having a plan in place to deal with the anticipated impacts of an event. Having your plan and emergency kit prepared in advance is the best way to support your family and pets. You may need to Shelter in Place or “hunker down” in your home for at least 72 hours (3 days) without needing to leave for supplies. Plan to be without power in many hazards that could occur.
Inspection, compliance, and enforcement functions from several provincial government departments came together under Nova Scotia Environment in 2015.
- During or after an emergency or severe weather event, water may not be safe for drinking, bathing, or cleaning. Water may become contaminated with bacteria, chemicals or other substances that can cause illness.
- Listen to and follow public announcements. Local authorities will tell you if tap water is safe to drink or to use for cooking or bathing. If the water is not safe to use, you will be told to use bottled water or to boil or disinfect water for cooking and cleaning. For more information on what to do during a boil water advisory, please visit the Nova Scotia Department of Environment website.
What to do if your well is flooded
- Stay away from the well pump while it is flooded to avoid an electric shock.
- Do not drink or wash from the flooded well to avoid becoming sick.
- Get assistance from a well or pump contractor to clean and turn on the pump.
- After the pump is turned back on, pump the well until the water runs clear to rid the well of floodwater.
- Disinfect the well and test for bacteriological quality after the disinfectant has been flushed out of the system.
- If the water does not run clear or disinfection is not effective get advice from the Nova Scotia Department of Environment.
Source: Environmental Health: Emergencies and Extreme Weather Events - Drinking Water
