How Contaminated Water is Categorized

12/31/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in a home due to a leaky appliance.

The Different Categories of Water 

When it comes to flooding, not all water is the same. If your home experiences a flooding event, the source of the water makes a difference in how cleanup will be handled by a water damage mitigation specialist in Halls Crossroads, TN. Professionals use a rating system to identify how contaminated water is. Category 1 water is the cleanest while category 3 is the most contaminated and dangerous. Understanding this rating system is also important because it should determine how you deal with the flood water in your home while waiting for help.

Category 1

Category 1 water is the cleanest water. This is water that is basically drinkable at the source. This could be from a broken supply line, burst water pipe, or an overflowing bathtub. While category 1 water can still pose a serious threat if it comes in contact with electrical outlets or exposed wire, it doesn’t contain any substances that will harm you or your family.

Category 2

Category 2 water is also called grey water. This is slightly contaminated water. It contains some substances that may make you sick if you swallow it. It might come from a dishwasher or washing machine that malfunctions. Category 1 water can also develop into category 2 water if it sits for a couple of days. Even though the water starts clean, over time it can leach potentially toxic substances from the materials it comes in contact with, like carpeting and upholstery fabric. Standing water also supports bacterial growth that can make people sick.

Category 3

Category 3 water is also called black water. This is the most contaminated water. Raw sewage and floodwater from storm surge or river overflow are categorized as black water. It contains pathogens and toxic substances that can sicken or even kill people and animals. You should avoid all contact with category 3 water and call a water damage mitigation expert in Halls Crossroads, TN, to handle the cleanup.