What should I do if my well floods?
TexasReviewed October 2026
Do not use the water for drinking, cooking, ice, brushing teeth or even bathing until it has been disinfected and tested. Floodwater can carry sewage, manure and chemicals into a well. If the pump or wiring was under water, do not switch it on; let it dry and have a qualified electrician check it. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension advises pumping out the well, then shock chlorinating it with a bleach solution, letting it sit 12 to 24 hours, and flushing the system until the chlorine smell is gone. Afterward, have a certified lab test for bacteria before drinking. Use bottled water or another safe source in the meantime.