Tag: floods
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Factory Farms and Superstorms Don’t Mix
Hurricane impacts in coastal areas are generally from high winds and dangerous storm surge. In inland areas, flooding from heavy rain poses a bigger threat, and the devastating flooding that hit the Houston area from Hurricane Harvey’s 51 inches of rain is proof. It’s been reported that floodwater in some parts of the Houston area…
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How is tap water treated? What causes a boil-water advisory?
We take our tap water for granted until we’re told we can’t drink it. (Photo: Latte Art/Shutterstock) In the wake of hurricanes and resulting power outages, many times people are told their tap water is non-drinkable. Water providers often issue a “boil-water advisory” because a treatment facility was affected during a storm. Residents are typically…
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Owners of private water wells should test well after floods
Texas Well Owner Network photo Owners of private water wells whose wells flooded from the recent rains should assume that their well water is contaminated until tested, according to Dr. Diane Boellstorff, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service water resource specialist, College Station. Well owners in flooded areas should assume their well water is contaminated and…
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Houston’s Floodwaters Are Tainted With Toxins, Testing Shows
Lisa Montemayor of the Houston Department of Health and Human Services collecting water samples. Photo: Eric Thayer for The New York Times Floodwaters in two Houston neighborhoods have been contaminated with bacteria and toxins that can make people sick, testing organized by The New York Times has found. Residents will need to take precautions to…
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Storm Surge Overview
Along the coast, storm surge is often the greatest threat to life and property from a hurricane. In the past, large death tolls have resulted from the rise of the ocean associated with many of the major hurricanes that have made landfall. Hurricane Katrina (2005) is a prime example of the damage and devastation that…
