Floodwater Safety: 6 Steps to Avoid Getting Sick

In this essential guide, Dr. Jay Varma outlines six science-backed ways to stay safe when floods contaminate the water we swim in, drink, and use for recreation. As climate change accelerates extreme weather and increases the strain on outdated infrastructure, the threat of illness from bacteria, viruses, and toxins in floodwater is growing. This article teaches readers how to reduce their risk, protect loved ones, and advocate for long-term solutions.

When Water Turns Dangerous

For most of us, water is comforting: a hot shower, a swim on a summer day, or a bottle by your side. But after floods, that same water may become dangerous, even deadly.

Whether it’s beach closures after storms or sewage spills after hurricanes, Dr. Jay Varma warns that climate change is turning more of our water sources into health hazards. And the threat doesn’t stop when the rain does. Floodwater often mixes with sewage, farm runoff, industrial chemicals, and oil, becoming a cocktail of pathogens and pollutants.

Why It’s Getting Worse

Climate change intensifies rainfall. With hotter air holding more moisture, storms now drop more water in shorter bursts. Overloaded drainage systems can’t keep up, which leads to water backing up from sewers, storm drains, and treatment plants.

“The most immediate threats during floods are death and injury,” writes Varma.
“But the dangers persist long after—especially in the water you drink or swim in.”

Floodwaters don’t just ruin property—they bring with them bacteria like E. coli, viruses, parasites like Giardia, and chemical toxins that make everyday water unsafe.

6 Essential Steps to Stay Safe

1. Check Local Water Advisories Before You Swim

Environmental agencies test lakes, rivers, and beaches for contamination. If bacteria like E. coli or enterococci are found, advisories are issued. Check your local health department or beach website before jumping in—even if the water looks fine.

2. Avoid Swimming Right After Rain

Even without an official warning, wait 24–48 hours after a storm before swimming. Floodwater can carry manure, fertilizers, sewage, and animal waste. Watch for cloudy water, strange smells, foam, or debris—all signs that it’s not safe.

3. If You Do Swim, Protect Eyes, Mouth, and Skin

The most common way people get sick is by swallowing contaminated water. Try to keep your head above water, especially in rivers or lakes. Avoid going in with cuts or abrasions, and cover wounds with waterproof bandages. Always rinse off afterward and wash hands before eating or drinking.

4. Be Extra Careful With Drinking Water

Flooding may damage municipal or private water supplies. Follow boil water advisories from local officials. If you use a well, you may need to test or disinfect it.

• Boil water for at least 1 minute (3 minutes at altitude)
• Use filters rated 0.2 microns or less to protect from parasites
• Reverse osmosis or ultra-filters can help reduce viruses and bacteria

5. Don’t Fish or Eat Shellfish During Advisories

Contaminated water affects more than swimmers. Shellfish can absorb toxins, especially during red tides or sewage overflows. Don’t harvest or eat fish from affected areas unless you’ve confirmed it’s safe through public health alerts.

6. Invest in the Infrastructure That Protects You

Dr. Varma emphasizes that America’s water infrastructure—mostly built in the 1950s and 1960s—was designed for a different climate. Today, it’s under pressure from aging pipes, urban overdevelopment, and shrinking public health budgets.

“I’ve worked on diseases like cholera and typhoid in Asia and Africa,” he notes.
“We don’t think about those diseases here because of our water systems. But they’re only as strong as our investment in them.”

He urges readers to pay attention to local government discussions about upgrading sewage systems, supporting public water workers, and funding environmental health programs. Your advocacy today could prevent sickness tomorrow.

📖 Original Article on Psychology Today
🗓️ Published: July 22, 2025
✍️ Author: Dr. Jay K. Varma
🔍 Reviewed by: Abigail Fagan
🧠 Blog: Fevered Mind
📚 Category: Environment, Public Health, Climate Adaptation