Could a Major New Madrid Quake Cripple Missouri’s Water Supply?

When Missourians consider the possibility of a major New Madrid Fault earthquake, questions about building and bridge damage always come up. There's one other factor that should be considered and that's vital water supplies.

This exact question is being asked right now - in California. ABC 7 in Los Angeles did a story about how the long-expected San Andreas Fault catastrophic quake could "cripple" California's water supply. Their conclusion? Absolutely.

That made me wonder how Missouri might be affected by the same scenario if/when the New Madrid Fault were to unleash a major shake. I turned to the USGS and they have some interesting and troubling facts to consider. Here are their exact words:

"More serious impacts on water quality can occur when strong earthquake shaking damages sewer lines, gas lines, or any infrastructure containing hazardous materials, releasing contaminants into the water."

The other question would be many Missouri communities that rely on water towers. What if a significant number were to be brought down by a major quake?

The other wildcard would be the number of bridges along the Mississippi River which would be needed for any water to be brought into Missouri if a large New Madrid quake were to make existing water unavailable or undrinkable. Most estimates say that many Mississippi River bridges would be out of commission for days if not weeks while structural integrity were checked.

The good news is the USGS says that wells and natural water sources would not likely be made unusable by a large New Madrid quake.

Dependable water sources is just another factor that will need to be considered as the Great American Shakeout on Thursday, October 17 prepares for a worst-case scenario for the New Madrid Fault.