Why a well pump stops without power, how to store water ahead, what backup options exist and how to disinfect well water afterward.
- Electric well pumps stop without power, so store water ahead of time.
- Size any backup power for the pump's starting load, and have a professional connect it.
- After flooding or damage, use safe water until the well is tested and disinfected.
If you live on a well, a power outage usually means the water stops too. Most household wells use an electric pump, so no electricity means no water at the tap, no flushing, and no pressure for the shower.
The good news is that a little planning keeps you comfortable for a day or two, and knowing what to do afterwards helps you avoid contaminated water.
Why the pump stops
A submersible or jet pump uses electricity to push water from the well to your pressure tank and then to your fixtures. When power fails, the pressure tank may give you a short supply, often enough for a few flushes or glasses, and then it is empty. Water in the well itself is still there, you just cannot move it without a pump.
Treated municipal water systems may keep pressure longer, but private wells do not have that safety net.
Store water ahead of time
The simplest backup is stored water. Our guide to how much water to store suggests starting from a baseline per person per day, then adding extra for pets, hygiene and cooking. Well households often add more for flushing and washing since they cannot easily top up from a tap.
- Fill food grade containers and label them with the fill date. See water storage containers and how long stored water lasts.
- If a storm is coming and you still have power, fill bathtubs or large clean bins for flushing and washing (not for drinking unless cleaned and treated).
- Keep a plan for drinking water separate from water for flushing.
Backup ways to get water
Several options exist, and each has trade offs. A hand pump installed in the well, a backup generator or power station that can run the pump, or a transfer switch connected circuit can restore water. A pump draws a large burst when it starts, so size any generator for the starting load, as explained in our generator sizing guide. Have an electrician or well professional advise before connecting anything to the pump circuit.
Do not draw water from a well by lowering containers unless the well is designed for it, since that can contaminate it and can be unsafe.
Drinking water safety
If you are using stored water from a known, clean source, it is generally fine to drink as is. For unknown or questionable water, treat it. Boiling, filtering and chemical disinfection are all covered in our guide on purifying water in an emergency and using bleach or tablets. Follow the label or the instructions from your health authority, and use plain, unscented household bleach only when guidance tells you to.
After a flood, or if the well may be contaminated
Flooding, damage to the wellhead or an unusual smell, colour or taste can all mean contamination. If floodwater has covered your wellhead, do not use the water for drinking, cooking or brushing teeth until it has been tested and, if needed, disinfected. Contact your local health authority or provincial, state or county well guidance for testing and disinfection steps. They can tell you how to disinfect a well and where to get a water test.
EPA guidance on emergency disinfection of drinking water explains boiling and disinfecting in general. For wells, use the instructions given by your local authority, since the method depends on well type and condition.
- Use bottled or treated water for drinking until the well is tested.
- Have the pump and electrical parts checked by a professional if they were flooded.
- Flush pipes as directed once the water has been cleared.
- Retest after disinfection.
Outage checklist for well households
- Know where your breaker for the pump is and how to turn it off in a surge.
- Keep stored water, treatment supplies and a filter on hand. See emergency water filters and our water hub.
- Plan how you will flush toilets without running water.
- Test the well regularly and keep records.
Quick answers
How long will my pressure tank last without power?
It depends on tank size and use. Expect only a small amount, so do not count on it for more than a few uses.
Is well water safe after a flood?
Not until it has been tested and, if needed, disinfected. Follow local health authority guidance.