Floods
Floods are a serious natural hazard that can happen due to swelling lakes and rivers, heavy rainfall, snow melting, and water main or dam breaks. You should know the risks in your area and be prepared for a flood. Check with your local conservation authority or municipal office for local flood risks.
Flood and mould clean-up
To help keep you and your family safe in the event of a flood, you need to ensure your food and water is safe. Learn what to do before, during, and after a flood, as well as how to restore your home as soon as possible to protect your health:
If your home has been affected by flooding, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has information to help you clean up, and prevent mould growth.
Flood and drinking water
Heavy rainfall can affect ground water quality. If your home is serviced by a private well, it is important to have your water tested to ensure it is still safe to drink.
If your water supply comes from a well or surface water source, do not use the water for drinking, food preparation, or brushing teeth until you have had it tested and determined it is safe. Use bottled water, disinfect, or boil your water before using it for these purposes. Exercise extreme caution when approaching a well after heavy rainfall or during flooding. The ground around a well may erode, creating unsafe conditions. Also, electrical wires attached to the well pump may become damaged during a flood and there could be risk of electrocution.
Flood and a private sewage system
If your property is at risk of a flood, consider the effect on your private sewage system. A flooded sewage system will not function properly and can cause problems such as:
- sewage backup in your home, and
- contamination of your water supply.
To reduce the possible damage from flooding:
- Avoid pumping out your septic tank before or during a flood. Flood waters can force an empty tank out of the ground, causing damage. If you have a sewage pump, turn it off until the flood conditions end.
- Ensure that your basement sump pump is not connected to your sewage system and that roof downspouts are directed away from the sewage system.
- If floodwater enters your home, do not pump it back into the sewage system.
- If possible, do not use your sewage system during flood conditions. If you must use the system, reduce water usage by limiting bathing or showering, using a laundromat for laundry, and not running the dishwater. A portable toilet is a good option.
- When the flood conditions have ended, you can use your sewage system again. If you experience problems with sinks draining or sewage backups, contact a licensed sewage system pumper or installer to inspect and service your sewage system. It is recommended that you pump the septic tank (and pump chamber) as soon as possible.