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Background:
Severe rainstorms, floods, and even spring thaws can put a strain on sanitary sewers and septic
systems. Large volumes of storm water and ground water entering sewage systems can inundate
them, causing back-ups into basements and on to private property. Blockages in sewer systems can
also cause back-ups. Your health may be impacted if a sewage back-up occurs in your home.
Sewage back-ups can contaminate your private drinking well water. It can also pollute surface
water (lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams, and reservoirs used for drinking water).
Can I Get Sick From A Sewage Back-Up In My House?
Sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and other germs that can cause disease and make a contaminated
house unfit for living. The health risks around sewage are dependent upon the amount of sewage,
the types of germs that are in it, the amount of time it has been in contact with materials in the
home, and how much and how long an occupant was exposed. Generally, the more solids (human
waste) present in the water, the greater the need for prompt and proper clean-up of materials that
came into direct contact with it. The most common illnesses one might acquire are generally
gastrointestinal (GI) distress and/or skin rashes/infections. Respiratory infections are
uncommon, because fecal microorganisms rarely become airborne when everything is wet, and
these bacteria and viruses generally die off after things dry out. If you experience any GI
symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting) after exposure to sewage, contact your doctor.
