What Is the Risk of Drinking Water After a Plumbing Flood?

A plumbing flood often involves water that is not clean. This could be sewage from a backed-up toilet, gray water from a washing machine, or water that has picked up contaminants from floors and walls. These contaminants can include bacteria like E. Coli, viruses, or household chemicals.

If the flood was severe, it may have affected the pipes supplying your home. A break in the main water line can allow soil and groundwater to seep in. Even a smaller leak under a sink can introduce mold or cleaning agents into your water system.

Your first step is to stop using all tap water for consumption. Do not drink it, use it to make ice, prepare food, or brush your teeth. Use bottled water or water from a known safe source for these purposes until you get official guidance.

You need to contact your local water utility or public health department. They can tell you if there is a community-wide advisory and provide instructions for testing or flushing your home's system. Follow their specific directions to the letter.

• Do not drink tap water until cleared.
• Use bottled water for drinking and cooking.
• Contact your local water authority for guidance.
• Boiling water may not kill all chemical contaminants.
• If you use a well, have it tested by a professional.
• Discard any ice made after the flood started.

Once your home is restored, consider ways to prevent a repeat. Know where your main water shutoff valve is and how to use it. If you live in Baltimore, keep your shutoff valve location written down. This allows you to stop the water flow quickly during a plumbing failure.

Regular maintenance helps. Inspect appliance hoses for wear, and consider replacing old plumbing fixtures. Installing water leak detectors can provide an early warning. These simple actions can help you avoid a major flood and the associated water safety concerns.