Post-Disaster Private Well Water Contamination with Geosocial Network: A Case Study of Post-Hurricane Harvey

The prevalence of natural hazards and extreme climatic events highlights the critical importance of disaster recovery for communities. In this study, we examine the impact of Hurricane Harvey on private well water in Texas and explore the relationship between the contamination of well water, stewardship behavior, and demographic and social capital characteristics. We develop a multi-level regression model that shows bonding and linking social capital index, median house income, owner-occupied houses' percentage, and the percentage of households speaking only English correlate with people's vulnerability to unsafe drinking water supplies. We validate the results through a partial dependence framework built upon a random forest model. Our study provides valuable insights to address issues of fairness and vulnerability in society and foster resilience and preparedness in the face of shocks and hazards.