Thread: FEMA Releases Important and Basic Water Well Knowledge for Homeowner

FEMA Releases Important and Basic Water Well Knowledge for Homeowner

by Alex Ferreras on January 30, 2012 in Real Estate

(Source: FEMA) – When the ground shakes wells can break. In the wake of the August 23, 2011 Virginia Earthquake central Virginia well owners are urged to inspect water wells for damage and contamination. If damage is suspected residents should register with FEMA as soon as possible.

Once registered with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) residents with damage to their homes receive a visual inspection of their home by FEMA inspectors. If a FEMA inspector suspects a water supply has been compromised that information is included in the home’s evaluation. Home owners with a suspected well issue may receive, as part of their initial repair grant, money to have a well water test.

A well water test is performed by a licensed water testing provider. Local health officials maintain lists of approved water testing providers. A well water test will confirm whether or not the well’s water meets state standards for drinking water. A licensed well contractor should then be contacted to examine the well if the water test reveals contamination. The licensed well contractor will be able to determine whether the well has earthquake related damage.

If a FEMA registrant confirms their well has been compromised, their next step is to write an appeal letter. When a registrant appeals a decision, you are asking FEMA to review your case. You will be asked to submit with your appeal letter the documentation you have gathered through the well testing process. Water testing results, well repair estimates provided by a licensed contractor, and a contractor’s note confirming the damage is earthquake related should be included with the appeal letter.

Directions on how to appeal are included on pages 10-11 of the Help After a Disaster booklet registrants should receive from FEMA. Assistance in preparing an appeal letter can also be received at local Disaster Recovery Centers in Louisa at 502 E. Main St. and in Spotsylvania at 8960 Courthouse Road, or by calling FEMA at 800-621-FEMA (3362).

Basic water well knowledge is valuable information for the homeowner following a disaster. Modern well construction is regulated by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Prior to 1990 well construction was not regulated by the Commonwealth, and well construction techniques varied greatly.

To register, call 800-621-FEMA (3362), if you use a TTY, call 1-800-462-7585, if you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362 or go online to DisasterAssistance.gov - Home. Phone lines are open 7 a.m.-10 p.m. EST, seven days a week. Online registration is available at any time. Those with smart phones or other mobile devices can register at m.fema.gov.

Deadline to register for assistance is March 5.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Source: FEMA

FEMA Releases Important and Basic Water Well Knowledge for Homeowner | LoanSafe

Ha. No thanks. If there's a problem with my well I will handle it myself. Don't need FEMA all up in my business.

Originally Posted by florgal

Ha. No thanks. If there's a problem with my well I will handle it myself. Don't need FEMA all up in my business.

Some people need a FEMA low interest loan to drill a new well. They need to tell FEMA about their well problem to be eligible for a loan.

FEMA Media Library: Low-Interest Disaster Loans
► 2:50► 2:50

FEMA Media Library: Low-Interest Disaster Loans
Dec 15, 2009 - 3 min
The SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and ...
Audio of the DHS/FEMA press ...

Seems to me it would be better to take out a loan of your own and have work done. Inviting government into any of your business could easily become big trouble later.

I do not think FEMA, let alone any other big government agency, can be trusted in any way, and in the least they cannot be trusted just for that fact that they will likely screw up somewhere, if not decide your home is uninhabitable...water undrinkable..you name it, by mistake or intention, people with wells registered with them will start seeing problems.

It's good to be reminded that after an earthquake your well water MIGHT be contaminated. If the water is still coming out and not discolored or smelly people might not think to have the water tested to see if it is O.K.

Originally Posted by AmericanElizabeth

Seems to me it would be better to take out a loan of your own and have work done. Inviting government into any of your business could easily become big trouble later.

I do not think FEMA, let alone any other big government agency, can be trusted in any way, and in the least they cannot be trusted just for that fact that they will likely screw up somewhere, if not decide your home is uninhabitable...water undrinkable..you name it, by mistake or intention, people with wells registered with them will start seeing problems.

Yep your right AmericanElizabeth & florgal always remember it too.

"I'm from the government and I'm here to protect you" Believe that one at your own peril..

It never goes well (no pun intended) when they are involved in your lives or your property. They try to tell you how you can raise your childre, get in the middle of you and your child when it comes to medical care, try to enfore imminuzations that aren't always safe...the list seems endless these days.

Yep kathyet, when you see someone park in front of your place in a hybrid vehicle, with a clipboard and case in hand, lock your doors, close your curtains and don't answer the door!!!LOL

A few years ago in NC, former Governer Easley decided it would be a good idea to monitor well water usage on our private wells. Needless to say his big idea didn't go over with the people. Government intrusion is never a good idea if one wants to maintain liberty. I can just imagine the regulations, stipulations, and manipulations that would go along with a FEMA loan to repair or re-drill one's private well. Again - no thanks. If I have to boil creek water to keep FEMA outta my business, that's what I'll do.

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Originally Posted by JohnDoe2

It's good to be reminded that after an earthquake your well water MIGHT be contaminated. If the water is still coming out and not discolored or smelly people might not think to have the water tested to see if it is O.K.

Sure have it tested but not by FEMA