Floods Spread Contamination Everywhere
After flooding, dog waste from your yard — and every yard upstream — has been redistributed by floodwater. Your entire property may be contaminated with fecal bacteria, parasites, and chemical runoff from mixed waste sources.
Post-Flood Contamination Assessment
- Assume everything is contaminated: Floodwater mixes all sources of waste
- Do not let dogs or children in the yard until cleanup is complete
- Check for debris: Floodwater carries hazardous materials beyond pet waste
- Test soil: If you have a garden, test soil before planting again
Warning
Floodwater that has contacted sewage, animal waste, and chemical storage is a biohazard. Wear waterproof boots, gloves, and eye protection during post-flood cleanup.
Yard Recovery Steps
- Remove all visible debris and waste deposits
- Apply agricultural lime to raise soil pH and kill surface bacteria
- Allow the yard to dry completely before allowing pet or child access
- Treat with enzyme-based cleaners designed for outdoor use
- Reseed bare areas with appropriate grass seed for your region
Professional Post-Disaster Cleanup
After a flood, the scale of contamination exceeds normal cleanup. Clean Paws offers post-disaster yard recovery service that addresses waste contamination as part of getting your property back to livable condition.