Damaged Wells and Septic Systems

Tennesseans who lost access to water through a private well or damaged septic system as a result of Tropical Storm Helene may be eligible for FEMA assistance.

What Assistance is Available?

For private wells and septic systems, FEMA may pay for the cost of a professional, licensed technician to visit your home and prepare an estimate detailing the necessary repairs or replacement of your disaster-damaged systems.

In addition to the technician's estimate, FEMA may also pay for the actual repair or replacement cost of your septic system or well. Neither is typically covered by homeowner's insurance.

At the time of your home inspection, let the FEMA inspector know you have a private well and/or septic system that may have been damaged by the storm.

You may be eligible for FEMA assistance if the damage is determined to have been caused by Tropical Storm Helene.

If you already had an inspection, and damage to the well or septic system wasn't reported, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or visit any Disaster Recovery Center to learn how to update your application. To find the nearest center, visit DRC Locator (fema.gov).

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance

The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App or call the FEMA Helpline. If you use a relay service such as video relay service or captioned telephone service, you can give FEMA your number for that service. Helpline operators speak many languages and lines are open from 7 a.m. to midnight ET seven days a week. You may apply at a Disaster Recovery Center.

To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.