Wildfires are becoming more frequent and the risk of them increases in extremely dry conditions, such as droughts, heat waves, and during high wind conditions. As a result, you will see an increase in wildfires during the summer months.
After a wildfire, underground well components like the pump may not be harmed. However, if your home and yard have been burned, it is necessary to complete a visual inspection of your well system and have any damage repaired by a licensed well contractor before turning on the water.
Check the following for damage:
- Wellhead – casing, cap or seal, and any other above ground piping
- Tank – pressure or storage tanks (cisterns)
- Electrical – wires and control box
- Treatment – filters/housing, tanks, chemicals
- Septic System – although underground and most likely to be unharmed by fires, it is still important to visually inspect for damage
If any damage is observed, contact your licensed professional immediately for repair.
Contamination concerns are from chemicals and microorganisms that can enter a damaged well. Use our interactive map on our website to locate water test resources. Even if you haven’t been affected by a wildfire, National Water Quality Month is coming up in August! Take the time to ensure your water quality is safe for you and your family.
Download our wellcare® Information Sheet on Wildfires and Wells for additional tips.