According to NASA , 2020 and 2016 were the hottest years on record. Climate change is being felt in terms of climbing temperatures, hot, dry winds, and raging fires. Last year, the California wildfire season kicked off early and was one of the worst, causing 4.2MM acres to be burned, 10,000+ structures damaged or destroyed, and 33 people killed.
If your home or business catches fire, there is potential for water contamination, even if most of the structure survives the fire. During a fire, contaminants can enter the water system through structure or vegetation combustion, plastic pipes melting, and/or contaminated water from burned structures flowing back into the main pipe.
Water industry experts involved in supporting the water district response, restoration, testing, and recovery following fires in Santa Cruz County, Paradise, Santa Rosa, and Oakland Hills advise that residents should proceed with caution following a fire near your home or business. Contact your local water district to have water quality tested by certified water experts before bathing in, let alone cooking or drinking water near a fire site.
Learn more about the Paradise Fire and Water District Recovery, an SSV WaterPalooza! panel discussion featuring water quality researchers Dr. Andrew Wheeler and Dr. Amisha Shah of Purdue Engineering, Mickey Rich of Paradise Irrigation District; and Susan Teefy from East Bay MUD.
Scientists are working with local water utilities and government agencies to update and standardize best practices for water testing following a wildfire disaster. Additional guidelines are needed given the increased incidence of wildfires and recent research indicating potential for a wide variety of harmful contaminants, beyond those previously known (such as benzene).
Property owners and residents can also take these pre-emptive measures to protect property and the water supply in the event of a wildfire:
Additional related articles:
Record Wildfires on the West Coast Are Capping a Disastrous Decade