We have been overloaded the past couple of weeks testing water. Most of the tests are coming back positive for E. coli and bacteria. This is why testing after flooding is absolutely critical for every private well owner in Texas. Flooding doesn't just damage your home and property—it poses a direct threat to your drinking water supply that you may not see, smell, or taste until it's too late.
How Flooding Contaminates Wells
When floodwaters rise, they carry contaminants from the surface directly to your wellhead. If your well cap is loose, damaged, or not properly sealed, floodwater can flow straight into your well casing. Even if the cap is intact, flooding can undermine the soil around your casing, creating new pathways for contaminants to migrate downward into the aquifer. The floodwater itself contains bacteria from sewage systems, animal waste, agricultural runoff, and chemical contaminants that have no place in your drinking water.
Why You Can't Tell by Looking
Bacterial contamination has no visible signs. Your water may look perfectly clear, taste normal, and have no unusual odor while harboring dangerous levels of E. coli and other pathogens. This is why testing is essential after any flooding event—there is no way to know whether your water is safe without laboratory analysis. Don't assume that because your wellhead wasn't visibly submerged, your water is clean. Groundwater movement and soil saturation can introduce contaminants even without direct flooding of the wellhead.
What to Test For
After flooding, the minimum testing should include total coliform bacteria, E. coli, and nitrates. These are the most common and dangerous contaminants introduced by flood conditions. If your property is near agricultural areas, also test for pesticides and herbicides. If you have a history of iron, sulfur, or other mineral issues, include those parameters as well. A comprehensive post-flood test gives you a complete picture of your water quality and identifies any treatment needs.
When to Test
Test as soon as possible after floodwaters recede and you can safely access your wellhead. Do not wait for symptoms or visible changes in your water. The sooner you identify contamination, the sooner you can take corrective action. If your well was directly flooded, do not use the water for any purpose until it has been tested and, if necessary, disinfected by a professional.
Flood waters affecting your well? Call 77 Water Well Inc. at (281) 456-4556 for emergency water testing and shock chlorination.