Understanding Water Categorization

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage

As a property owner,  you may have to deal with several water issues. While a toilet overflow is a simple issue to deal with, in this area you’ll probably have to deal with problems involving flood water. Flooding can cause not only significant property damage, but it also poses a potential health risk as well, and being a property owner in this area you should become familiar with the different levels of water classification.

1. Sanitary Water

Category one water is considered sanitary water. This water is the safest water to drink, cook with, and bathe with. Sanitary water is also commonly referred to as clear water, which is a reference to its appearance and an indicator that it is clean, meaning that it has not been contaminated by other sources.

2. Gray Water

Gray Water, category two, is not sanitary and can pose a risk of illness if you come into contact or consume this water. Typically, this water occurs in the event of appliance or toilet overflow, which means that it is contaminated by chemicals and sewage.

3. Black Water

Black water, category three, is the most dangerous of all waters and is likely the result of flood water. This water is formed by a mixture of rising rivers and overflowing sewers. With the high level of contaminants in this water, it is also toxic to humans and animals, causing illness and potential fatality if ingested. If you’re building is submerged in black water, it is best to avoid it and allow professionals to do the final cleanup process.

Flood water presents a serious risk to people, and when it reaches category three, black water, it should be avoided. As a business owner, you should be aware of the various levels of water categorization to ensure both your safety and the safety of your tenants. 

For more information contact SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol at 423-245-5552.