The short answer
What Storm Water Picks Up
Storm water flows over surfaces and collects whatever lies in its path. That can include animal droppings, fertilizers, pesticides, gasoline, and trash. When heavy rain overwhelms drainage systems, raw sewage can mix into the water as well. These ingredients can introduce bacteria like E. Coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter.
Even water that looks clear may contain pathogens. The danger is not always visible. If you have open cuts or you accidentally swallow water, you can get sick. Children and pets are at higher risk because they are more likely to touch their faces or put things in their mouths.
Health Risks to Know
Exposure to contaminated storm water can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and skin infections. Breathing in mist from floodwater can also irritate your lungs. Symptoms may appear within hours or take a couple of days. If you feel unwell after contact with floodwater, see a doctor.
Do not wade through standing water if you can avoid it. Wear rubber boots and gloves if you must enter. Wash any exposed skin with soap and clean water as soon as possible. Clean and disinfect any cuts or scrapes that touched the water.
- Wear waterproof boots and gloves
- Keep children and pets out of floodwater
- Wash hands with soap after any contact
- Disinfect cuts and scrapes right away
- Do not eat or drink anything that touched floodwater
- See a doctor if you feel sick
Cleaning Up After a Flood
After the water recedes, assume every surface it touched is contaminated. Remove standing water quickly using a pump or wet vacuum. Discard porous items like carpet, upholstery, and drywall that absorbed the water. These materials can trap bacteria and grow mold.
Hard surfaces like concrete, tile, and metal can be cleaned. Scrub them with soap and water, then disinfect with a bleach solution (one cup of bleach per gallon of water). Let everything dry completely. If you have a crawlspace that flooded, water can sit there for days and cause bigger problems.
- Remove standing water fast
- Throw out soaked carpet and drywall
- Scrub hard surfaces with soap and water
- Disinfect with a bleach solution
- Dry everything completely before rebuilding
- Check crawlspaces and basements for trapped water
When to Call the Pros
Flood cleanup can be overwhelming, especially if the water reached walls, flooring, or your crawlspace. The pros have industrial pumps, air movers, and disinfectants that do the job thoroughly. They also know how to handle water-damaged materials safely.
If the flood affected a large area or you cannot dry everything within 48 hours, call local water damage pros. They can assess the damage and remove debris from your property. Acting quickly reduces the chance of mold and structural issues. If you live in South Jordan, keep a list of local pros handy before the next storm hits.
Preventing Future Problems
You can reduce the risk of bacteria entering your home by keeping gutters and downspouts clear. Make sure the ground slopes away from your foundation. Check that your sump pump works before the rainy season. These small steps help keep storm water out of your living space.
If water does get in, the faster you respond, the better. Move furniture and rugs to a dry area. Use fans and dehumidifiers to speed up drying. Document the damage with photos for your insurance records. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
Water damage does not wait
Phones are answered 24/7 for South Jordan and nearby communities.
Call Now (801) 845-3042Frequently asked questions
How long do bacteria survive in floodwater?
Bacteria can survive for days or even weeks in wet conditions. They multiply in warm, stagnant water. The longer water sits, the higher the risk. Drying and disinfecting surfaces as soon as possible is the right way to eliminate them.
Can I clean floodwater damage myself?
You can handle small, contained spills with soap and bleach. But if water soaked into drywall, carpet, or a crawlspace, professional help is safer. The pros have equipment to extract water and dry materials completely, which reduces health risks.
Should I throw away food that touched floodwater?
Yes, throw away any food that came into contact with floodwater, including canned goods. Bacteria can seep into sealed containers. When in doubt, discard it. Do not taste the food to check it. Your health is more important than saving a few items.