Hurricane Recovery: Well & Septic Guidance
Damaged Wells and Septic Systems
North Carolinians who lost access to water through a private well or damaged septic system as a result of Hurricane Helene may be eligible for FEMA assistance.
FEMA’s deadline to apply for Individual Assistance (IA) for individual well/septic repairs due to Helene damage (and other losses) has been extended to February 6, 2025.
See their December 30 announcement: www.fema.gov/press-release
Well Water Testing
Well water testing will be provided at no charge for wells that were flooded or damaged, while supplies last. This testing is solely for determining the presence of coliform bacteria and E. coli in existing private drinking water wells following disinfection.
More Information on Requesting a Water Sample
Post-flood well water samples can only be collected following performance of the recovery steps described in the How to Keep Wells Safe After Flood guidance.
Septic Tanks
- If your septic tank has been flooded do not use the plumbing system while the septic tank is still under water.
- Do not use your plumbing system if sewage water has backed up into your home.
- Try to reduce the amount of debris that enters the septic tank or drains.
- Avoid contact with sewage from a septic tank that is not operating.
For additional disaster recovery information, please visit the NCDHHS Disaster Recovery website.
Well Repair Application (878 KB) Septic Repair Application (567 KB) How to Keep Wells Safe After Flood (265 KB) 