Harvey. Irma. Maria. These destructive hurricanes have devastated the world in recent weeks. And they come with company—a massive 7.1 magnitude earthquake rocked Mexico in September and earlier hurricanes brought in dozens of inches of flood water. Millions of people have been affected by these recent natural disasters.
Impact On Drinking Water
One common thread that ties these natural disasters together is their impact on water. From ruptured water pipes and wells caused by earthquakes, and flooding beyond imagination from storms, water contamination has become inevitable when areas get hit. It’s important to understand the dangerous effects contaminated water can have on your health and know how to deal with it should you be put in an unfortunate situation where safe-drinking water becomes scarce.
What To Do If Your Water Is Contaminated
If you’ve been in an affected area with these recent natural disasters, you may have received a boil water alert (also referred to as boil water advisory or order). These boil water notices are put in place by your district’s governing bodies to help you stay safe from contaminated water.
We at Culligan strive to educate you about what safe drinking water is and how you can attain it. An important fact to keep in mind is that even if you have a water filtration system in place, during a boil water order, you still need to follow procedure. Taking the added measure will ensure that harmful microorganisms and bacteria are removed from your water.
Ways to avoid using contaminated drinking water is the top focus of flood preparedness tips. These natural disasters that spur flooding can cause serious contamination. Not only can contamination lead to water-borne bacteria, the CDC warns that coming in contact with contaminated water, be it through drinking or using it to clean, can lead to detrimental health effects such as gastrointestinal illnesses, reproductive and neurological disorders.
Be Prepared
Although natural disasters are unavoidable, you can at least be prepared by becoming aware of the proper safety procedures that need to be taken in the name of your health and your water. To find out more information on how to stay safe from contaminated water, read up on tips from Culligan experts. We’re here to keep you safe and contaminated-water free, one natural disaster at a time.