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For immediate release: November 6, 2006 (06-178)

Contacts:
Leslie Gates, Office of Drinking Water, 360-236-3098
Kathy Williams, Emergency Medical Services, 360-236-2862
Jeff Smith, Communications Office 360-236-4072

Rising rivers and flood waters may contaminate drinking water
High water also presents drowning risk

OLYMPIA ¾ Heavy rains moving through the state are causing flooding that can contaminate drinking water as well as increase drowning dangers.

The Washington Department of Health recommends people put water aside for emergency use in case their water supply is contaminated. To prepare for a drinking water emergency, follow these instructions:

  • Store one gallon of water per person per day. Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person.
  • Use proper storage containers. Store the water in containers made for water storage, or clean glass or plastic jugs previously used for juice, milk, pop or bottled water. Never use containers that were previously used for pesticides, chemicals, solvents, oils, etc.
  • Add liquid bleach to the water. Use 10 drops per gallon, or one teaspoon for 10 gallons. Don’t use scented or "color-safe" bleaches. Let it stand for 30 minutes before using.
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    If your well has been submerged in flood waters, assume it’s contaminated. If that happens, boil it to destroy parasites as well as bacteria. Bring the water to a full boil and continue boiling for at least three minutes. Then keep it covered while it cools.

    If a power outage makes it impossible to boil water, disinfect it with household bleach as directed above. If the water is cloudy or has been contaminated by river runoff, use twice the amount of bleach and let it stand for 60 minutes.

    Along with contaminating drinking water sources, flood waters can increase drowning risk.

    "We have deep standing water in many places that are normally dry such as retention ponds and culverts," said Kathy Williams, an accident prevention specialist for the agency. "Small children can drown in water that is only inches deep."

    Williams said hikers, anglers and others enjoying the outdoors should also be cautious due to heavy erosion along shorelines and the base of trees.

    "River and lake shorelines can be particularly unstable from water washing over them. They can crumble and pitch hikers and fishermen into lakes or fast moving rivers," Williams said. "The erosion also weakens the root bases of trees making it easier for even large trees to fall."

    Here are some tips to help protect yourself and others to reduce your risk of drowning:

  • Do not drive through standing water on roads and respect road closure signs.
  • Keep away from culverts and urban ponds; water in culverts can sweep people (especially small children) away and urban ponds can be very deep.
  • If you have to evacuate a building by boat, always wear a life jacket that fits you.
  • Keep emergency supplies (water, food, blankets, and medications) in your home and vehicle and keep vehicles filled with at least a half tank of fuel in case you need to evacuate.
  • Water is very attractive to children – keep kids in sight at all times when outside around any kind of water. If they are near water, have them wear a life jacket that fits them.
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    For more information water safety, water purification or other emergency preparedness topics go to the agency website (www.doh.wa.gov) and click on the Topics A-Z listing.

     

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