Fast-moving wildfires that began August 1 and are now being managed as the Spokane Complex have caused evacuations, power outages, and extensive property damage across the region.
Please continue to follow evacuation orders and updates from local officials. Do not return home until authorities say it is safe.
As emergency response efforts continue and residents prepare for the eventual recovery process, water may not be the first thing on your mind. However, fire damage, power loss, damaged plumbing, and reduced water pressure can affect a home’s water supply, especially for families who use a private well.
Here are a few important steps to take when it is safe to return.
Follow Local Water Advisories First
Before drinking or cooking with tap water, check for notices from your water provider, Spokane County, or the Spokane Regional Health District.
Homes connected to a public water system should follow the instructions provided by their water utility. Do not assume your water is unsafe simply because there was smoke nearby.
At the same time, never ignore an official boil-water or do-not-use notice. Water conditions and advisories can vary from one neighborhood to another.
Private Well Owners Should Be Extra Careful
Private wells may be affected by fire damage, power outages, low water pressure, damaged wiring, or problems with the well cap, pump, pressure tank, or plumbing.
A loss of power or water pressure may allow unwanted material to enter a well. Even water that looks, smells, and tastes normal may need to be tested before it is used for drinking.
The Spokane Regional Health District recommends that well owners affected by fire check their well and septic systems for damage.
Depending on the damage, well owners may need to have the system inspected, disinfected, flushed, and tested according to guidance from local health officials or a qualified well professional.
Until your well has been checked and officials say the water is safe, consider using bottled water for:
- Drinking
- Cooking
- Brushing teeth
- Making baby formula
- Washing fruits and vegetables
- Giving water to pets
Do Not Count on Boiling Alone
Boiling can kill many disease-causing germs, but it does not remove fuel, metals, or most chemicals. It may also concentrate nitrate already present in the water. Follow local health guidance and use bottled water when chemical contamination is suspected. Never try to make water safe by boiling it when it smells like fuel, chemicals, or another unusual substance.
Check Your Home’s Water Equipment
Only inspect your water equipment after authorities have cleared the property for entry and you can do so without approaching fire-damaged electrical equipment, unstable structures, or other hazards.
Fire, heat, ash, and power surges may damage water treatment systems, pressure tanks, pumps, pipes, wiring, and other electrical parts.
Before restarting your equipment, look for:
- Melted or damaged wires
- Cracked pipes or tanks
- Burn marks
- Ash around vents or controls
- Unusual noises
- Leaks or low water pressure
- Strong chemical, smoky, or fuel-like odors
Do not touch damaged electrical equipment. Contact a qualified professional if you see signs of fire, heat, structural, or electrical damage.
Wildfires can damage water equipment or allow contaminants to enter a water system. Testing and professional inspection can help determine what may be present and what steps should be taken next.
Testing Helps Remove the Guesswork
There is no single filter that removes every possible water problem. The right next step depends on what is actually in the water and the type of damage that may have occurred.
When officials say it is safe to return, Culligan of Spokane can help check existing Culligan equipment and provide a free basic water test for common household water concerns.
A basic Culligan water test is not a replacement for certified laboratory testing. When bacteria, fuel-related chemicals, metals, or other wildfire-related contaminants may be present, contact local health officials or a certified laboratory for guidance.
Our team can help you better understand the next step without adding more stress to an already difficult situation.
Spokane Is Our Home, Too
Recovery will take time. We are thankful for the firefighters, emergency workers, utility crews, volunteers, and neighbors helping families throughout Spokane and the surrounding communities.
Once officials say it is safe to return, Culligan of Spokane is here to help with questions about your home’s water and water treatment equipment.
Contact Culligan of Spokane to schedule a free basic water test or request an equipment check.
