With floodwaters receding, it is important to disinfect your private well using the procedures available from DOH-Sarasota or visit the Florida Department of Health website. You may also visit the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (US EPA) website for instructions.
To know if your water is safe, DOH-Sarasota offers no-cost microbiological water test kits to Sarasota County residents whose wells have been disinfected after flooding. Please call (941) 861-6133 for more information.
Did your private well or septic system get damaged by Hurricane Ian? FEMA may reimburse you for the cost of a professional, licensed technician to visit your home and prepare an estimate detailing the necessary repairs or replacement of your disaster-damaged systems.
In addition to the technician’s estimate, FEMA may also pay for the actual repair or replacement cost of your septic system or private well, which typically are not covered by homeowner’s insurance.
If you have applied for FEMA assistance and have not had a home inspection, you should call the FEMA Helpline at (800) 621-3362. At the time of your inspection, let the FEMA inspector know you have a private well and/or septic system that may have been damaged by the storm. If the damage is determined to be caused by Hurricane Ian, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance.
If you have already had an inspection and damage to the well or septic system wasn’t reported, contact the FEMA Helpline to learn how to amend your application.
Hurricane Ian survivors can apply for FEMA assistance online at disasterassistance.gov, by calling the FEMA Helpline at (800) 621-3362 or by using the FEMA mobile app.
Still need help? Visit the Disaster Recovery Center at Shannon Staub Library, 4675 Career Lane, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily to speak with a FEMA representative in person.