Storm and flood water cleanup in Olympia, WA starts with one question: where did the water come from? A river over its banks, groundwater rising through the soil, runoff pouring off a road and a king tide pushing into downtown are four different problems, but all of them bring outside water into a home. Through our referral line (opening soon), you can be connected with an independent restoration company that removes the water and mud, cleans what can be saved and dries the structure.
Four kinds of flooding in Thurston County
Thurston County identifies four principal sources of flooding: rivers and streams, groundwater, tidal flooding and urban flooding. They can happen alone or all in the same storm.
| Type | Where it shows up | What it does to a home |
|---|---|---|
| River and stream | Deschutes, Nisqually, Chehalis, Skookumchuck and Black rivers and their creeks | Muddy water over floors and into crawl spaces, often fast-rising |
| Groundwater | Flat, low areas with thin soil over hardpan | Slow-rising water in crawl spaces that can stand for months |
| Tidal | Budd Inlet shoreline, downtown Olympia, the Port peninsula | Salt water into low streets and buildings during king tides |
| Urban runoff | Streets, parking lots and blocked storm drains | Water pouring into garages, basements and daylight entries |
Rivers and atmospheric rivers
Thurston Regional Planning Council notes that atmospheric river storms, carrying moisture from the tropical Pacific, are common triggers of major flooding in the county. Nearly half of Thurston County's major federal disaster declarations have been related in some part to flooding. The Deschutes River, which runs through Tumwater into Capitol Lake and Budd Inlet, is the county's fastest-rising river. The county reports that minor flooding of low roads and pasture starts near 9.5 feet on its gauge, and the National Weather Service issues a flood warning when it could reach 11 feet.
King tides in downtown Olympia
Downtown Olympia sits low along the shore of Budd Inlet. During the December 2022 king tide, the highest tide recorded in Olympia, sea water came over the shoreline near Percival Landing and flooded the street by the Farmers Market roundabout. City tide gates kept it from going further. The city's Sea Level Rise Response Plan expects that kind of flooding to happen more often.
Why flood cleanup is different
Flood water is treated as contaminated. It can carry sewage, fuel, fertilizer and road runoff. That changes the job:
- Porous materials it soaked, such as carpet, pad, insulation and the bottom of drywall, are usually discarded.
- Mud and silt are shoveled and washed out before drying starts.
- Hard surfaces and framing are cleaned and treated.
- Crews wear protective gear, and you should too.
- Drying takes longer when the soil around the house is still saturated.
Staying safe during and after a flood
- Follow evacuation orders from Thurston County Emergency Management.
- Never walk or drive through moving water.
- Do not go back in until officials say it is safe, and keep the power off until an electrician checks it.
- Throw out food, medicine and cosmetics that touched flood water.
- Photograph everything before cleanup starts, for the claim.
Flood insurance in Washington
Standard homeowners policies usually exclude flood. Coverage comes from the National Flood Insurance Program or a private flood insurer, and NFIP policies generally take 30 days to start, so buying one when a storm is forecast is usually too late. Our Washington insurance guide explains the difference between flood and water damage claims.
Get flood cleanup started
Once it is safe to return, email info@olympiawaterdamagewa.com while our phone line is being set up. Tell the restoration company how deep the water got, whether it came from a river, groundwater or runoff, and whether the crawl space or basement flooded.
Common questions
Which rivers flood most often in Thurston County?
Thurston County names the Nisqually, Chehalis, Deschutes, Skookumchuck and Black rivers as the five most prone to significant flooding. The Deschutes rises and falls faster than any other river in the county, and minor flooding begins near 9.5 feet on its gauge.
Is flood water dangerous to clean up myself?
Flood water from rivers, runoff or overflowing ditches can carry sewage, fuel and chemicals. Wear waterproof boots and gloves, keep children away and do not touch electrical equipment that has been underwater. Porous items that soaked in flood water are usually discarded rather than dried.
Does homeowners insurance pay for flood damage?
Usually not. Standard Washington homeowners policies exclude flood, meaning water rising onto normally dry land. Flood coverage comes from the National Flood Insurance Program or a private flood insurer, and new NFIP policies generally have a 30-day waiting period before coverage starts.
How do I know if my home is in a flood hazard area?
Thurston County publishes a flood hazard map showing mapped flood zones, waterbodies and high groundwater areas. FEMA's flood maps show federally mapped flood zones. Your insurance agent can also tell you which zone the property is in and what that means for flood insurance.
Sources
Facts on this page come from these public sources. Rules and figures change, so check the source before you rely on them.