About Natural Disaster & Water Contamination

Natural disasters can have lasting effects, not only because of the destruction they cause directly, but also because of secondary effects such as water contamination, which can lead to increased incidence of disease.

Stagnant Water

• Water contamination can happen as a result of any type of natural disaster, even drought. As water sources dry up, any pollutants or bacteria left behind become concentrated in the remaining liquid.

Run-Off Is a Concern

• One way natural disasters such as floods increase water contamination is through run-off--water running downhill towards the main areas of flooding can carry everything from fertilizers and pesticides to soil pathogens and garbage into the flooding water.

Wind as a Contamination Agent

• Tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes can lead to water contamination by not only shutting down water treatment facilities, but also by introducing pollutants through high winds tossing items around and into water sources.

Life Effects

• This contaminated water can eventually make its way into the water supply, if water treatment plants aren't functioning properly. Colorado State University advises that home filtration systems may not be powerful enough to remove the pollutants. Contaminated floodwater may invade homes, exposing trapped or returning residents to possible disease. Texas A&M notes it may get into the water supply for livestock.

Stay Prepared

• Keep extra water and purification supplies as part of any home or office emergency plan.