In 2016, 6.9 trillion gallons of rain fell on Louisiana between August 8 and 14, resulting in one of the worst flooding events in the state’s recorded history. In addition to the extensive structural damage, private drinking water wells were submerged under several feet of contaminated surface water for several days. This research assessed not only the well water quality in impacted areas of the state, but also the resource and information needs of affected well owners. A NSF RAPID campaign to test the drinking water of returning private well owners was mobilized within 5-6 weeks of the flood. Water testing was offered to a convenience sample of 150 private well owners in Livingston Parish – one of the most impacted regions. In total, tap water samples from 112 wells were analyzed for indicator bacteria and inorganics, and a subset of 40 samples were analyzed for Legionella. In addition, well users were asked to complete a questionnaire to characterize well construction and maintenance, well water use patterns, and well owner response, perceptions and knowledge. This presentation will share post-flood well water quality results, and will discuss challenges faced by private well owners, and emergency response planning needs. This project provides insight on impediments to dissemination of emergency information during natural disasters, and highlights resources and information needed to support both routine and flood-related well stewardship.

Challenges faced by private well owners inthe aftermath of the 2016 Louisiana floods

256th National Meeting (2018)

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