Tips to prepare and protect public health
Residents of Poverty Flats along Highway 83 saw significant flooding April 29 as the Clearwater River swelled over its banks. A longtime resident on the west side of the highway said the water was deeper than he'd ever seen, including the spring of 1997.
Looking up the Clearwater River from the Dog Town Bridge on Riverview Drive in Seeley Lake.
Bob Deal's flamingos along the east side of Highway 83 looked rather content with the rising flood water and offered up a more pleasant view than that of flooded homes just across the highway.
Heavy runoff has eaten into several area roads including this section of Double Arrow Road.
More than a hundred feet of hillside gave way near the Stevens' house on Double Arrow Road. The mudslide washed out several trees and flowed more than 500 feet down a gully before it came to a rest.
SEELEY LAKE - After last summer's fires and the heavy snowfall this winter, many residents around Seeley Lake are now flooded or threatened with flood waters. The rivers continue to rise as the snowpack in the mountains slowly begins to melt. The flooding is not only affecting homes but also washing out roads, creating mudslides and threatening bridges.
The North Fork Jocko (667) SNOTEL Site at 6,330 feet reported a snow depth of 156 inches with a snow water equivalent of 57.8 inches April 2. While the snow depth has settled 22 inches, the snowpack has gained seven more inches of water content as of May 1. On April 30, 1997, there was 67.8 inches of water content, three inches more than this year.
The Departments of Environmental Quality, Natural Resources & Conservation and Public Health & Human Services offer several tips for protecting human health and the environment in a flood event. Missoula County has been providing empty sandbags for residents at the Missoula County Satellite Office, 3360 Highway 83.
• Protect water quality. If floodwater overtops a water well, spring or cistern, it can contaminate those drinking water sources. It is up to the owner to make sure the water is safe. Bacteria, viruses or other pathogenic organisms are often present in surface water and pose the greatest threat if consumed. After flooding, have the well disinfected and tested to make sure it's safe.
Don't use water from a flooded well or cistern for drinking, cooking, bathing or other household uses until talking with proper health authorities. Be prepared if the well or cistern should become contaminated. Prior to a flood, store plenty of bottled water or fill a bathtub or a cistern out of the possible flood area with safe drinking water for a family or business.
For those in Seeley Lake that receive their water from the Seeley Lake Water District, water quality is not a concern. All the water is treated and not affected by the flood waters.
• Manage septic systems. If a home or area around the home has been flooded, the septic tank may fill with water and could cause sewage to back up. The safe disposal of wastewater is essential to protect human health. Ensure children and pets are kept away from sewage or wastewater affected areas.
If suspected that the wastewater system has been physically damaged by flooding, contact the county health department and a licensed septic system installer or a licensed plumber to have it assessed. Do not use or flush the toilet, take a shower, use sinks, wash clothing or put any water down any drain until it is confirmed that the septic tank and associated sewer pipes are intact; otherwise, wastewater could flow back up into the house through the toilet, shower, bathroom, kitchen and laundry drains.
• Secure storage tanks. Anchor above-ground fuel, propane or other types of storage tanks to the ground or a solid foundation. If there is time before flooding, move chemicals or hazardous materials above flood level to lessen the chance of spill or contamination. Turn off power to underground fuel storage tank systems and take a product inventory and water level readings to help account for possible product loss. Secure all openings and make sure caps and other components are in good condition.
• Protect health. If clean potable water isn't available, water used for drinking, cooking or washing should be treated in one of two ways: 1) boil it for five minutes and then store in a clean container, or 2) mix five drops of household chlorine bleach into every quart and let stand at least five minutes (preferably 30 minutes to an hour) before using. If the water is cloudy with suspended sediment, use a bit more chlorine bleach and mix well to better reach the pathogens hiding on or within the particles. Over-the-counter water filtration devices are available and useful to treat water from a source that may have been affected by flooding.
Discard food that has been exposed to floodwaters. Sealed metal cans and sealed packages with intact protective outer coverings may be salvaged but must be carefully cleaned and disinfected before opening. Discard refrigerated and frozen food if the power has been out and the food has been warmed to above 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
Launder flooded clothing and bedding using a disinfectant such as bleach and a strong detergent. You should discard mattresses and stuffed toys that have been soaked, as these are extremely difficult to get clean enough to safely keep and use. Steam-clean or replace all carpeting and rugs that have been soaked. Wear protective clothing such as rubber boots and gloves while cleaning up debris and scrubbing flood damaged interiors and furniture.
For current information on flooding in Montana, visit: http://readyandsafe.mt.gov/ or http://deq.mt.gov/DEQAdmin/Emergency/FloodAdvisories
The Food and Consumer Safety Section of DPHHS can be reached at 406-444-2837, or the DEQ Public Water Supply Bureau at 406-444-4400.
The Montana Office of Disaster and Emergency Services can be reached at 406-324-4777.
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