Are you prepared for spring floods?

It’s springtime in the Midwest, which means there’s the chance for flooding. This year, the risk window for flooding is extended due to late-season snow storms.

While most water plants are inherently near water and there’s nothing you can do about the level of your building, there are steps you can take now to prepare for a flooding event. At PeopleService, we have a three-pronged approach when floods threaten either the water supply or wastewater facilities.

1. The first is securing access. In the past, we’ve needed airboats and in one case a railway trolley to access some of our plants, as roads were cut off. You need to be ready to access your facilities no matter what the conditions.
2. The second is assessment. For example, if pumps in a wastewater plant are the issue, you need to have gasoline-powered pumps at hand to avoid back-ups. In one recent emergency, we had pumps in numerous locations we could move rapidly to affected areas. If the issue is a contaminated well that is the sole supply for your system – and you haven’t been able to protect it with sandbags – then you need boil-water notices ready to go. At PeopleService, we also have bottled water suppliers ready, as a contaminated well must be flushed and tested before it goes back into commission.
3. And the third element is to ensure you have your emergency plans up to date to ensure they cover all eventualities. (This is standard for all PeopleService clients.)

Let us know how we can help as you prepare for the potential of flooding in your area.