What should you do first when the water stops?
Work out the scope of the problem. Check whether your neighbors have water, whether you lost power, and whether a single faucet or the entire house is affected. If you are on a public or community system, call the provider and ask about outages. If you use a private well, power loss is often the cause, since most well pumps run on electricity.
Do not keep running pumps or taps that sound wrong, and never ignore a burning smell or signs of electrical trouble. Call a licensed professional if you suspect a problem with the pump, wiring or pressure system.
- Check for a power outage first
- Ask neighbors and the water provider
- Look for a tripped breaker, then stop if you are unsure
- Do not work on electrical parts if you are not trained
How do you provide water for people?
Count on needing water for drinking, cooking and basic hygiene. If you have stored water, use it. If not, use bottled water, or ask the local health department how to make questionable water safe. Boiling advice, disinfection steps and storage methods are specific, and the county health office or the CDC can tell you what is recommended.
Do not drink from a stream, pond or stock tank unless you have been told it can be made safe. Infants, older adults and people with weak immune systems are at greater risk from contaminated water.
How do you keep livestock and pets watered?
Animals can suffer quickly without water, especially in heat. Move them to a pasture with a creek or pond only if the water is judged safe and you can monitor them. Haul water if needed and keep troughs clean.
Ask your veterinarian or extension office how much water your animals typically need, and how to safely provide it from alternative sources. Do not use water that could be contaminated by runoff, algae or chemicals.
- Know your animals' normal daily needs
- Haul clean water in clean containers
- Check troughs and float valves
- Watch animals for signs of dehydration
What causes private wells to fail?
Common causes include power loss, a failed pump, a tripped breaker or pressure switch, a problem with the pressure tank, a frozen or broken line, or a dropping water table during drought. Some are quick to fix and others are costly.
The EPA private wells page and your state or county health department explain well basics. A licensed well contractor can diagnose the problem and tell you what is needed. Choose one who is licensed or registered in your state.
Is the water safe once it returns?
After an outage, flooding or repair, water can be cloudy, smell or taste odd, or carry contaminants. The county health department can tell you whether to test your well and which lab to use. Follow their advice before you drink.
If a flood covered your wellhead, treat the water as unsafe until it has been tested and cleared.
Do not rely on smell or clear appearance alone to judge whether water is safe.
How can you be ready for next time?
Store drinking water if you can, and know where your shutoff valves are. Keep a list of the numbers for your power company, well contractor, water provider and county health department. Consider a backup power plan for the pump, installed by a licensed electrician.
Write what happened and what it cost you, and keep the records of any repairs.
- Keep stored drinking water
- Label shutoffs and keep a contact list
- Plan for backup power with a licensed electrician
- Keep repair records
What about hygiene and sanitation without water?
Without running water, handwashing and toilet use become problems. Use stored water or bottled water for washing hands, and ask your health department for guidance on safe waste handling if the outage lasts. A septic system may also be affected if water use changes or flooding occurred, so check the EPA septic systems page or ask your county health office.
Keep food preparation simple, wash hands before eating and take extra care when caring for infants, older adults or anyone who is ill.
- Use stored water for handwashing
- Keep food simple and clean
- Ask your health office about waste handling
- Watch vulnerable family members closely
Key takeaways
- Find out whether it is a local, area or power problem before touching equipment.
- Use stored or bottled water, and ask your county health office how to make water safe.
- Make sure livestock and pets have clean water.
- Test well water after floods or repairs when your health office advises it.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.