Wildfire Water Contamination: How to Ensure Safe Water After a Fire

Wildfire Water Contamination: What You Need to Know After the Fires

Wildfires not only devastate homes and landscapes but also pose significant risks to water quality. If you're in an area affected by recent fires, it's critical to understand the potential impacts on your water supply and what steps you can take to ensure its safety.

How Wildfires Affect Water Quality

Wildfires can introduce toxic chemicals into water systems in several ways:

Damage to Water Infrastructure: Pipes, tanks, and other parts of the water delivery system can melt or crack under high heat, releasing chemicals like benzene into the water supply.
Contaminated Runoff: Burned vegetation, ash, and debris can wash into reservoirs, rivers, and groundwater, introducing pollutants such as heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and asbestos.
Depressurization of Water Systems: During firefighting efforts, increased water demand can lower pressure in the system, creating a vacuum effect that pulls in contaminants from damaged infrastructure.

Wildland Fires vs. Urban Wildfires

It’s important to understand the difference between wildland fires and urban wildfires when considering their impact on water quality.

Wildland Fires

Wildland fires typically burn forests, grasslands, and other natural areas. While these fires release ash and organic matter into the water supply, the contaminants are often limited to natural elements such as sediment and nutrients, which can be managed by existing water treatment processes.

Urban Wildfires

Urban wildfires, on the other hand, are far more hazardous to water systems. These fires often burn through homes and buildings filled with toxic materials, including:

Electronics: Devices containing heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury.
Batteries: Lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles (EVs) and other devices can release harmful chemicals when burned.
Plastics: Melting plastics release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other carcinogens into the air and water.
Construction Materials: Asbestos, treated wood, and insulation can introduce hazardous substances into runoff and groundwater.

The combination of these toxic materials creates a complex challenge for water treatment and underscores the importance of professional testing and remediation after an urban wildfire.

Helpful Resources

EPA Wildfire Resources (epa.gov)
Ready.gov Wildfire Preparedness (ready.gov)
CDC Wildfire Safety (cdc.gov)
National Park Service: Wildfire Safety (nps.gov)

FAQs About Wildfire and Water Quality

1. Can I boil my water to remove wildfire contaminants?

No, boiling water will not remove chemical contaminants such as benzene or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It is essential to rely on bottled water or professionally tested and treated water.

2. How do I know if my water is safe to drink after a wildfire?

Check for advisories from your local water utility. If you use a private well, have the water professionally tested for contaminants such as benzene, heavy metals, and VOCs.

3. What contaminants should I test for in my water after a fire?

Common contaminants include benzene, toluene, heavy metals, VOCs, and asbestos. Your testing should be comprehensive to identify potential risks.

4. Are activated carbon filters effective for treating post-fire water contamination?

Yes, activated carbon filters are effective at removing many VOCs and chemicals, including benzene. However, professional testing is necessary to ensure the filter addresses your specific contamination.

5. What should I do if my private well was affected by a wildfire?

Inspect the well for visible damage and have it tested for contaminants. Avoid using the water until you receive professional test results confirming it is safe.

6. What steps can I take to prevent water contamination from future wildfires?

Install backflow prevention devices, use fire-resistant materials for water system infrastructure, and maintain your well or water systems regularly to minimize risks.

Final Thoughts

Recovering from a wildfire is a long and complex process, and ensuring safe water is an essential part of that journey. By testing your water, understanding your options, and working with experts, you can protect your family’s health and restore your water supply.

For more information or to explore our water treatment solutions, contact us today or visit our website.

Gerry Bulfin

Gerry Bulfin is a licensed water treatment contractor and consultant based in Santa Cruz California and founder and owner of Clean Water Systems and Stores Inc. Gerry is a long time member of the National Ground Water Association, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the Water Quality Association (WQA).