Water Laboratory Recovery Remains Critical After Hurricane Helene

In late September 2024, Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina hard, sweeping away homes, businesses, and residents. But the disaster isn't over yet.

Flood waters carried contaminants ranging from bacteria like E. coli and indicators like total coliform to pollutants from sewage, manure, heating oil, and industrial chemicals. Water laboratory recovery continues to be essential to support testing for both municipal water systems and private wells.

State and local officials face the challenges of getting water utilities back online and helping the hundreds of owners whose private wells were overrun and inundated during the flooding. This dire situation prompted the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to send a mobile water testing laboratory to Asheville to help with recovery, working with local health departments, as well as the state's departments of Environmental Quality and Health and Human Services. In addition, a second laboratory will test drinking water samples for utilities in communities impacted by Helene. That's the only way citizens will know when their water is safe to drink again.

Read on to learn how flooding impacts water quality in drinking water systems and wells, what steps utilities and labs can take to ensure safe water, and how rapid water laboratory recovery supports public health and safety.

Flooding Impacts on Water Quality

Flooding causes include severe weather events, rapid snowmelt, ice jams, sea level rise, and dam failure. Still, unlike the coast, the mountains in western North Carolina don't flood often. That left many residents unaware of the risk of water contamination or how to handle it after Helene.

Surface water in lakes, rivers, and streams becomes contaminated when floodwaters drop pollutants, including sediments, debris, nutrients, toxic materials, and microorganisms. That can make surface water unsafe without supplemental treatment. Groundwater is also at risk as floodwaters seep into aquifers, tainting wells that use them as sources. For example, when Hurricane Florence hit the eastern part of North Carolina in 2018, rates of E. coli contamination were eight times higher in inundated areas. Municipal water systems often get water from both surface and groundwater sources, affecting the quality of water delivered to customers' taps.

Damage to water and wastewater utilities can impair their ability to provide safe water. Infrastructure damage interrupts service. Pipe breaks spill sewage and reduce water pressure. Debris blocks intake, and staff can't access utilities and labs to test water—and may not have power or communication even if they can get through.

Steps Toward Safe Drinking Water

Until local water utilities and health departments assure North Carolina residents that water is safe for potable use, they must either drink bottled water or boil water for one minute to destroy potentially harmful bacteria or viruses. Even so, customers should look for symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, which could be signs of a waterborne illness, and seek medical attention if they occur.

For private supplies, the EPA warns against turning on well pumps after flooding due to the danger of electrical shock and damage. Instead, the agency recommends residents hire a well or pump contractor to disinfect wells and contact the local or state health department or agriculture extension office for area-specific advice. The EPA's extensive instructions on well and pump inspection include water sampling and testing by the local health department or a certified water testing laboratory.

Water Lab Recovery

Most drinking or wastewater facilities are at risk of flooding, especially with the increased frequency of severe weather events due to climate change. Since flooding can happen almost without warning, water and wastewater utilities and lab managers must build flood and power resilience to prepare. Your employees and community will appreciate your forethought and efforts when the inevitable occurs.

The EPA's flooding incident action checklist explains how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from flooding. The list covers planning, coordination, and communication with customers; items for your facility and service area; and power, energy, and fuel. In addition, a worksheet provides space to list critical contacts and additional resources to support incident response.

The impact of a hurricane like Helene can devastate an area. Still, utilities and laboratories that prepare will know they've done everything possible to ensure public health and safety.


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Diana Kightlinger
Journalist

Diana Kightlinger is an experienced journalist, copywriter, and blogger for science, technology, and medical organizations. She writes frequently for Fortune 500 corporate clients but also has a passion for explaining scientific research, raising awareness of issues, and targeting positive outcomes for people and communities. Diana holds master’s degrees in environmental science and journalism.