July 2024 Flooding

Major rainfall from Hurricane Beryl hit Vermont on July 10–11, causing flooding in many communities. A number of water systems were on Boil Water Notice due to broken pipes and other concerns. Two wastewater facilities sustained structural damage and several more experienced operational challenges.

A major disaster declaration has been issued, which includes funds FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program in Addison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, and Washington counties. Cities and towns in these counties will be eligible to receive 75% reimbursement for emergency storm repairs to public infrastructure. Find more information about FEMA PA for water/wastewater systems at vtruralwater.org/fema-pa

Another flood event on July 30 impacted the Northeast Kingdom. A major disaster declaration has been issued for Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties. FEMA PA is available in these counties.

Find flood-related information and resources below. This page will be updated as more information becomes available.

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Pre-Flood Preparation Tips

• Move as much as you can out of the floodplain: vehicles, equipment, supplies, paperwork, computers, etc.
• Close valves on fuel tanks if possible to minimize risk in case fuel tanks are damaged or dislodged during flooding.
• Turn off the building’s circuit breaker
• Contact your local Emergency Management Director and make them aware of the important services you provide and any needs you may have during an emergency. Find contact info for your municipality’s EMD at vem.vermont.gov/programs/emd/contact
• Check that your facility’s insurance policy is up-to-date and covers all of your current equipment.
• Use this map from the National Weather Service to check river levels across the state.

Safety Reminders

• Do not drive or walk on flooded streets. Most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.
• Find reports of flooding and road closures on the New England 511 map.
• Work with at least one other person whenever possible.
• Tell someone where you are going and how long you plan to be gone.
• When reentering to a building that flooded, be extra cautious if the electricity hasn’t been shut off. Even if there is no power at the moment, it could suddenly come back on. Do not turn on the circuit breaker or use any electrical devices until the building has been checked by a licensed electrician.
• Do not run generators inside buildings or garages. Place generators at least 20 feet from buildings.
• Hot and muggy weather is forecasted, so take precaution against heat-related illness by working in the cooler parts of the day, taking frequent breaks, using sun protection, and staying hydrated.
• Exhaustion and stress from long workdays creates additional safety risks, so take extra care with tasks such as driving.
• Wear a face mask, safety goggles, and work gloves to protect from dust and mold when cleaning up after a flood. Email info@vtruralwater.org to request free KN95 masks.
• If you have come in contact with floodwaters, check that your tetanus shot is up-to-date. If it has been more than 10 years since your last tetanus shot, or if you had any cuts while you were in floodwaters, consider getting a tetanus booster.
• Natural disasters are traumatic and can trigger emotions like stress, fear, anxiety, and helplessness. For mental health support, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1–800–985–5990. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is also available by calling or texting 988.
• Use extra caution when opening emails and clicking links because cyber attacks tend to target communities during emergencies and disasters.
• Be aware of disaster-related scams like fake contractors.

Boil Water Notices/Do Not Drink Orders

A list of water systems currently under Boil Water or Do Not Drink public notices can be found at https://anrweb.vt.gov/DEC/DWGWP/license.aspx?Report=Boil

Here are forms and information that may be helpful for water systems in this situation:
Boil Water Notice Procedure
Do Not Drink Policy
Boil Water Notice Template
Water Conservation Notice Template
Public Notice Certification Form

VT WARN

The Vermont Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (VT WARN) allows water and wastewater systems to receive rapid mutual aid from other systems. It is free and voluntary. If your system is not a member, join at vtwarn.org.

If your system needs assistance such as equipment or extra personnel, use this form to submit a request. Systems that provide mutual aid as well as systems that request mutual aid can receive reimbursement from FEMA, but only if they have signed the WARN mutual aid agreement (PDF).

Emergency Response Trailers

Vermont Rural Water and VT WARN have two Emergency Response Trailers that can be deployed  to water and wastewater systems. Click here to view a list of equipment available on the trailers. To request a trailer or a piece of equipment, contact Vermont Rural Water at info@vtruralwater.org or 802-660-44988.

Document Damages

It is very important to document all damage for insurance claims and possible FEMA assistance! Before you start cleaning or repairing anything, take photographs of damage to buildings, equipment, and infrastructure. Write down timelines and notes while it is fresh in your memory, and save receipts. Consider asking volunteers to photograph damage throughout the community (pump stations, culverts, manholes).

During disaster response and recovery, document everything: what you do, staff time (both regular and overtime), equipment use (date, time, and hourly rate), and expenses (save receipts). Documenting the work you do before an inspector arrives is most critical, because they won’t see this damage for themselves. Don’t under-report damages to your insurance company or tell them you can fix it yourself. Emphasize that anything you were able to repair on your own was “emergency work” and may still need a permanent replacement.

Learn more about what FEMA will be looking for in the Applicant’s Guide for Submitting Public Assistance Documents and download the FEMA Public Assistance Checklist.

Emergency Management Director

Your municipality’s Emergency Management Director is the designated person to make requests to Vermont Emergency Management. Even if your system is not municipally owned, aid requests should go through the EMD. Find contact info for your municipality’s EMD at vem.vermont.gov/programs/emd/contact

Flood Levels & Road Closures

Use these sites for up-to-date information:

• Find reports of flooding and road closures on the New England 511 map
• Find current flood warnings from the National Weather Service: Burlington Office for most of Vermont and Albany Office for Bennington and Windham counties
• Use this map from the National Weather Service to check river levels across the state

Information for the Public

The Agency of Natural Resources has put together resources for the general public at https://anr.vermont.gov/flood

For those who get their drinking water from a public water system, check if you have a Boil Water Notice or Do Not Drink Order in effect at https://anrweb.vt.gov/DEC/DWGWP/license.aspx?Report=Boil

• • If your water system is under a Boil Water Notice, you should boil water for at least 60 seconds before using it for drinking, food preparation, brushing teeth, making ice, washing dishes, and using water for juices or formula. Boiling water will kill pathogens like bacteria or parasites.

If you have a private well or spring that was impacted by flooding, you can find guidance from the Vermont Health Department at https://www.healthvermont.gov/environment/drinking-water/after-flood-drinking-water-guidance

• • The Health Department is offering free drinking water test kits for private wells and springs. Fill out the form here or call 802-338-4724 to order a free test kit. You can also contact your local health office.
  • If your well tests positive for bacterial contamination, watch this video for instructions on disinfecting your well with chlorine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dN8GzI4XDJM

If you have a septic tank that was impacted by flooding, you can find information from the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources at https://anr.vermont.gov/flood#septic

If your basement flooded, there may be oil from heating oil tanks in the water or sludge. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is offering guidance for basement cleanup:

• If there is no evidence of oil in the water (no oil sheen, nothing floating on the water, no oil odor) the water may be pumped out to the lawn (preferably) or storm drains.
• If oil or petroleum is present, report the situation to DEC at 802-828-1138. DEC contractors will remove contaminated sediments and flood waters at no cost to the homeowner. 

Last updated 9/27/24