Water Water Everywhere…
Posted by Charles in General on Apr 2nd, 2010 | 4 comments…nor any drop to drink — if I remember The Rime of the Ancient Mariner well enough.
Rhode Island had a record rainfall of 15 inches in March, with 9 inches of that falling in 2 days. The biggest problem was the Pawtuxet River which crested at 21 feet above normal, which is 12 feet above flood stage. The river closest to us, the Woonasquatuket, crested at 4 feet above flood level — so no problems there. We did, however, have a lot of ground water. There was so much water flowing in to our sump, that the pump could not keep up. So over three days while the pump ran 24 hours a day, the water kept rising (and there were no sump pumps to be had anywhere). The water has slowed down to the point that the pump is starting to make some headway — but it still hasn’t stopped running since Monday.
Statewide, some roads are still closed. We are still in a boil water mode for private wells. And because not all sewage treatment plants are up and running yet, people are being asked to avoid flushing their toilets.
Even though we escaped the major damage from flooding rivers, we still have a major clean-up. We have to consider all ground water entering the house as black water. We have no idea where it came from, or what chemicals, bacteria, or ??? is in it. So everything that can absorb water has to be removed and trashed. Then we have to sterilize and dry. Today we removed all of the carpeting and most of the wood flooring. Most of the boxes and papers went yesterday.
Today is also the first day I can get to my main computer without having to stand in water — I’ll be back on my regular schedule as soon as possible.
I’ve included links here to two local radio stations that have images of the flooded areas. For those who aren’t familiar with the area, some of the rivers, lakes and waterfalls in these photos are actually roads, walls, and golf courses. The first few photos from WHJJ are from the interior of The Warwick Mall, which is currently estimated to be re-opening in about 2-4 months.
CEHull Photography Website
Hope your studio is “drying out”! I know what’s it’s like to clean up water.
Making some progress — maybe by Monday
I just had a chance to go through the photos from from WPRO and WHJJ. WOW! It’s hard to fathom those are many places I’ve been. Especially seeing the mall in that state! At least the Independent Man was appropriately attired for the weather.
Maybe you look it as a way to reorganize and overhaul your studio space and the basement. What are your plans for flooring?
As bad as it is here, I can’t imagine having water up to my roof line. Good news is that the water is receding and the sewage treatment facilities should be back on-line by Sunday or Monday.
Once the floor finally dries, I’m thinking either poured floor, or ceramic tiles (mud, not mastic). Something that’s inorganic and won’t absorb water.