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Individual Septic Systems After a Debris Flow
or Flood Event
Water Quality Program
After a debris flow or flood event, excessive
water can accumulate in leach fields, leach lines, or seepage
pit areas causing the septic system to become sluggish, to back
up, or to stop functioning when toilets are flushed, or when
other waste fixtures are used. When flooding or saturated soil
conditions exist, a septic system cannot function properly and
can lead to a back up of sewage in the home, contaminate the
drinking water supply and provide for a lack of sanitation in
the home until the floodwaters and saturated soil conditions
have receded.
Under flooded or saturated soil conditions:
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If there is a backup in the home or an
overflow of sewage onto the surface of the ground,
immediately stop all water usage until the flooding or
ground saturation diminishes.
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Do not have the septic tank pumped.
Pumping the septic tank out could cause the tank to try and
float out of the ground and damage the inlet and outlet
pipes.
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Use a portable chemical toilet. Small
units are available from camping, RV and hardware stores.
Larger chemical toilets, such as those used at construction
sites and festivals may be rented. The functioning toilet
facilities of a motor home, travel trailer, or a neighboring
home may also be used.
Once floodwaters have receded:
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Do not drink well water until it is
tested. For more information, see
http://ochealthinfo.com/regulatory/water/flood.htm.
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Have your septic tank professionally
inspected and serviced if you suspect damage. Signs of
damage include settling or an inability to accept water.
Most septic tanks are not damaged by flooding since they are
below ground and completely covered. However, septic tanks
and pump chambers can fill with silt and debris, and must be
professionally cleaned. If the soil absorption field is
clogged with silt, a new system may have to be installed.
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Only trained specialists should clean or
repair septic tanks because tanks may contain dangerous
gases. Contact a qualified septic system contractor in your
area.
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If sewage has backed up into a basement,
clean the area and disinfect the floor. Use a chlorine
solution of a half cup of chlorine bleach to each gallon of
water to disinfect the area thoroughly.
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Pump the septic system as soon as possible
after the flooding and ground saturation dissipates. Be sure
to pump both the tank and lift station. This will remove
silt and debris that may have washed into the system. Do
not pump the tank during flooded or saturated soil
conditions.
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Do not compact the soil over the soil
absorption field by driving or operating equipment in the
area. Saturated soil is especially susceptible to
compaction, which can reduce the soil absorption field's
ability to treat wastewater and lead to system failure.
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Consult a qualified electrician to examine
all electrical connections for damage before restoring
electricity.
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Be sure the septic tank’s manhole cover is
secure and that inspection ports have not been blocked or
damaged.
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Check the vegetation over your septic tank
and soil absorption field. Repair erosion damage and sod or
reseed areas as necessary to provide turf grass cover.
For more information on individual septic
systems, call the National Environmental Services Center at
(800) 624-8301 or visit their website at
www.nesc.wvu.edu.
For more information on water well
disinfection visit our website at
http://ochealthinfo.com/regulatory/water/flood.htm.
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