When A Well Has Been Contaminated By The Flooding
North Dakotans whose wells have been damaged by this year's spring flooding may be eligible for reimbursement for costs spent to restore them to a safe condition. Several steps are required to meet eligibility requirements.
• Applicants should take a sample of the water to the city water department for testing. If the sample shows the well to be contaminated, report the results to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and request help with decontamination of the well.
• The applicant must provide a statement from the local health department that there was no evidence of contamination prior to the disaster and that standard sanitation methods such as bleach treatments will not adequately decontaminate the well.
• The FEMA inspection must indicate that the well was contaminated as a result of the disaster. (This will make the applicant eligible for the actual cost of installing a filter/chlorination system.)
• Receipts or estimates for repairs are mandatory and must be verifiable. (A verifiable receipt must include the name and phone number of the contractor who will be contacted by FEMA to ensure that the work is not an upgrade and is required as a result of the disaster.)
• If the initial inspection does not support the applicant's claim for a particular line item, or the claim is denied, the applicant may request an appeal inspection and may be required to provide itemized receipts.
To register with FEMA, call 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585) or go online at www.fema.gov or www.disasterassistance.gov. Individuals may also register by smart phone at m.fema.gov. Calling any other local or state number will not get you registered for FEMA assistance.