Marion County Flooding 6/15/2025 Well/Septic System Information

If you are a resident of Marion County, WV with a private well or septic system and have experienced flooding, here's important information to keep in mind:

Well Water:

• Do not drink flood-affected well water until it has been tested.
• Contact the Marion County Health Department (MCHD) to schedule a free well water test for contamination.
• Annual testing for bacteriological contamination is recommended, especially after flooding.
• If your well water tests positive for E. coli or total coliform after a flood, you will need to disinfect your well.
• The MCHD can provide instructions for disinfecting a private well. 

Septic Systems:

• Avoid using your septic system until floodwaters have receded below the level of the soil absorption field.
• Limit water usage during heavy rains or flooding to prevent overwhelming the system.
• If you suspect damage, have your septic tank professionally inspected and serviced.
• Only trained specialists should handle septic tank cleaning or repairs due to the presence of dangerous gases.
• Signs of damage include settling or an inability to accept water.
• Pump the septic system as soon as possible after the flood to remove silt and debris, but do not pump if the drainfield is still flooded or saturated.
• Avoid compacting the soil over the absorption field, particularly when it is saturated.
• Inspect electrical connections for damage before restoring power.
• Ensure the septic tank's manhole cover is secure and that inspection ports are not blocked.
• Repair any erosion damage and reseed vegetation over the septic system.
• If sewage has backed up into your basement, clean and disinfect the area using a chlorine solution.

Call us at 304-366-3360.