Common Council

Flooding Updates (from Mayor's office and Public Health)

Hello Neighbors,

I apologize for the frequency of today's posts, but I want you all to be aware of updates. This post will be lengthy, but has quite a bit of information that I want to make sure everyone is aware of. AS updates are available, I'll be sharing them.

From the Mayor's Office: 

Clean up on the West side is continuing. Odana Road is clear of water but cars are still being towed from the area.  Crews expect the work to be done by evening rush hour.  City Street crews are working to clear debris from Mineral Point Road as well.  Motorists can determine alternate travel routes by accessing http://www.cityofmadison.com/live-work/extreme-weather/flooding. Or https://www.facebook.com/CityofMadison or https://twitter.com/CityofMadison.  

Engineering staff is inspecting all areas  near storm water greenways, grates and storm sewers to find and remove debris and erosion that may be slowing water flow.

Madison Metro buses are working to maintain service and officials are asking that riders with any questions contact Metro at 266-4466. Madison routes are somewhat affected but Middleton routes are severely impacted.

City Street crews will be cleaning debris from roadways and are  asking homeowners to place debris on the curb so it can be collected as soon as possible.

There have been concerns expressed about the safety of City water supplies.  City wells have not been impacted and our water is safe.

From Public Health: 

Properly Cleaning Up After Floods

Flood waters pose health threats

Recent heavy rains have created flood conditions in number of areas of Dane County. Flood waters can carry with them many contaminants that can pose health risks, such as sewage, fertilizer, manure, gas, and pesticides. It is important to stay out of flood waters if possible and clean up properly.

Flooded homes and businesses can lead to the growth of mold, which can cause health concerns. It is important to stay safe and healthy while cleaning up after a flood. See the Wisconsin Department of Health Services for information on mold and how to clean up mold .

Take precautions around using household water for drinking or food preparation. For private well owners, if the wellhead has been submerged for any length of time, the contaminated flood waters may have polluted the drinking water. Do not drink or bathe in water from a well that has been or is flooded until the well can be disinfected. Guidelines for disinfecting private wells  can be found from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Testing for bacterial contamination should be done after a well is disinfected and the chlorine has been flushed from the system. The Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC) Lab performs water testing. Call (608) 243-0357 for a consultation on what is needed.

If you are a facility licensed by PHMDC (Restaurant, Grocery Store, Swimming Pool, Hotel, etc.), and are impacted by flooding, please call (608) 242-6515 if you have questions about proper clean-up or would like to speak to a Public Health Sanitarian.