Three Categories You Need To Know About Water Contamination

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

Floodwaters can bring contamination due to the unknown source of water.

Here at SERVPRO, we will always accept a job because we want to ensure we are always there for our clients. When approaching a job site with a relatively large amount of water, we must classify its category.

Category 1: "Clean Water"

Category one is when a leak comes from a clean source such as a toilet with no urine or feces. In this category, it's important to remember that it will progress into category two or three in this category. Our team will work as hard as possible to ensure that the category doesn't escalate.

Category 2: "Gray Water" 

Contamination becomes a concern for our staff and the client during this step. We suggest that the client not enter or ingest any of this water because it can cause health effects. 

Category 3: "Black Water" 

We will tell our clients not to ingest this type as harmful pathogens that can create health effects with this category.  This is because water from this source comes from an unsanitary source which means our crew will be wearing full hazmat suits to ensure their health and safety aren't compromised. This water is created from a source such as water from beyond the toilet trap, a toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has microbial growth starting to grow.