Last Updated on September 8, 2025 by Yilin
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Hurricane Preparedness and Your Water Systems webinar, hosted by the UF/IFAS Extension Florida Well Owner Network. We had excellent participation and thoughtful questions throughout the session!
If you missed our earlier sessions, you can read the previous recaps here:
- Recap: Basics of Private Wells Webinar: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/mrec/2025/08/26/recap-basics-of-private-wells-webinar/
- Recap: Basics of Septic Systems Webinar: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/mrec/2025/09/02/recap-basics-of-septic-system-webinar/
What We Covered
This webinar provided an overview of how hurricanes and flooding can affect private wells and septic systems, and the steps homeowners can take to prepare, protect, and recover. Topics included:
- Hurricane impacts on water systems: potential contamination of private wells and system overloading in septic drainfields.
- Before the storm: steps such as storing clean water, securing electrical components, and limiting household water use to reduce strain on septic systems.
- During flooding events: why you should avoid pumping septic tanks when the ground is saturated and never use potentially contaminated well water without testing.
- After the storm: procedures for shock chlorination and water testing, signs of septic system damage, and when to call a licensed professional.
- Health and safety reminders: floodwater can carry bacteria, chemicals, and debris, making timely testing and safe recovery practices essential.
If you missed the webinar, you can watch the recordings here.
Private Well Care Before and After Storms: https://youtu.be/wWudT2h0E0E
Septic System Care Before and After Storms: https://youtu.be/Co7RhnQW6Hs
Additional Resources
UF/IFAS Florida Well Owner Network: https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/well/
- Practical information, fact sheets, and webinars for private well owners in Florida.
UF/IFAS Septic Systems: https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/septic-systems/
- Guidance on septic system basics, maintenance, and Florida regulations.
EPA SepticSmart Resources: https://www.epa.gov/septic/septicsmart
- National educational materials on caring for septic systems and protecting water quality.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Onsite Sewage Program: https://floridadep.gov/water/onsite-sewage
- State rules, permitting details, and updates on the transfer of the Onsite Sewage Program.
UF/IFAS Disaster Preparation and Recovery: https://disaster.ifas.ufl.edu/
- Resources on preparing for and recovering from hurricanes and other natural disasters in Florida.
Water Testing Kit Drawing
As part of this series, we held the 3rd drawing for a $200 Tap Score Home Water Testing Kit to thank participants for joining.
What’s Next
Our final webinar in the Florida Well Owner Network series will focus on Home Water Treatment Systems. We’ll cover common treatment options, how they work, and what to consider when selecting a system to improve your household water quality.
Date: Thursday, September 11, 2025
Time: 2:00–3:00 PM ET
Register here: https://2025FWON.eventbrite.com
This will also be your last chance to win a $200 Tap Score Home Water Testing Kit as part of our webinar giveaway series. Don’t miss it!
0
