For Immediate Release
August 17, 2026

INDIANAPOLIS – The Marion County Public Health Department urges residents and volunteers in flooded areas to protect their health and safety around floodwater and damaged homes.

Floodwater poses a threat due to the possibility of downed power lines and the presence of household, medical and industrial hazardous waste. Other germs and contaminants in floodwater can lead to illness, while debris from trees and homes could cause injury.

Standing water and wet materials can become a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria and mold. Exposure to these contaminants can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions and continue to damage materials long after the flood.

Walking or driving through floodwater should be avoided whenever possible as conditions can rapidly change.

Floodwater can also impact the quality of water supplied by a private well. If the wellhead for a resident’s home was fully or partially submerged by floodwater, the well should be disinfected and tested before using to ensure the water is safe. Free well water testing for Marion County residents and guidance on well disinfection is available from MCPHD by calling 317-221-2266.

“Historic flooding has impacted several areas of our state, including residents in Marion County and nearby areas,” said Virginia A. Caine, M.D., director and chief medical officer of the Marion County Public Health Department. “We want everyone who has been directly affected by floods, or who wishes to help others in recovery efforts, to be safe and understand that health threats from the flooding continue.”

During the cleanup and recovery phase, residents and volunteers should take caution when using generators and understand how to operate them safely outdoors, following manufacturer’s instructions, to avoid any carbon monoxide threat.

Anyone who must enter or work near floodwater should wear appropriate protective equipment to reduce the risk of injury or illness. Protective equipment may include:

Waterproof boots
Waterproof gloves
Hip waders
Eye protection (goggles or safety glasses)
U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket or personal flotation device when working near or over water where a drowning hazard exists

After contact with floodwater, a person should wash hands thoroughly with soap and clean water, clean and disinfect any exposed skin, and wash contaminated clothing before reusing. Other guidance: Keep all cuts and scrapes covered, clean any wounds exposed to floodwater immediately, and seek medical attention if signs of infection develop. Individuals should also ensure their tetanus vaccination is current, as floodwater and debris can increase the risk of infection.

MCPHD is working with the City of Indianapolis and other organizations to determine needs and coordinate resources as part of an ongoing response to the flooding and its impact on the community.

More information about floodwater safety and returning to a flooded home:

CDC: Safety Guidelines in Floodwater: https://www.cdc.gov/floods/safety/floodwater-after-a-disaster-or-emergency-safety.html

EPA: Flooded Homes Cleanup Guidance: https://www.epa.gov/flooded-homes