Categories of Water Involved in a Water Loss

There are three different types of categories that classify the type of water involved in all water loss situations. Knowing and understanding these categories helps you and the restoration professional know what precautions may need to be taken on the jobsite. Not all water is the same, and it is important to know that there is no set way to classify water. It is also important to know that water will not remain in the same category; as time passes it will become more contaminated slowly turning into a “black” water situation.

Category 1: “Clean” Water - Clean water is just that, water that doesn't pose any harm when it comes in contact with living elements and doesn't contain any contaminants. Clean water comes from a potable supply line. If water passes through or comes in contact with other areas, it may mix with soils and other contaminants from walls, decking, sub flooring, floor coverings and other building materials, making it no longer potable. If “clean” water is left alone over time it will accelerate the growth of bacteria and will become “gray” or “black” water. Any Category 1 water damage will change to Category 2 after 48 hours.
Examples of clean water sources can include:

• Water supply lines (plumbing pipes, fixtures, or washing machine and toilet supply connections)
• Rainwater or melting ice

Category 2: “Gray” Water – Gray water is unsanitary and contains levels of contamination that would not be safe for consumption, and could cause illness. It contains harmful microorganisms or nutrients for the accelerated growth of microorganisms that will help gray water become black water if not attended to quickly. This type of water is dangerous and clean up should only be done by a trained professional. Any Category 2 water damage will change to Category 3 after 48 hours.
Examples of gray water include but are not limited to:

• Water discharge from household appliances (Washing machine, dishwasher drains)
• Overflow from toilet bowl containing some urine but no feces.
• Broken or punctured aquarium, waterbed or other source of chemically treated water.

Category 3: “Black” Water – Black water is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents. This poses a substantial health risk from ingestion, dermal, or inhalation exposure. Unlike its name, Black Water, can be clear in appearance and/or odorless, but do not be deceived, it is very dangerous. It can contain bacteria, urine, feces, pesticides and other harmful chemicals or microorganisms, and should be cleaned up immediately by a professional.
Examples of black water include but are not limited to:

• Toilet water back flow beyond the toilet trap
• Sewer water, or sewage backup
• Ground, surface, or seawater water
• Rising water from natural bodies of water

Category 2 involves falling or windblown rainwater that enters as a result of damage to roof components or wall assemblies. Category 3 involves horizontally traveling ground surface water containing silt and soil contaminants that infiltrate into structures, generally through doors or around foundation walls. This ground surface water (storm surge) may accumulate to a depth of several inches or several feet. When structures are partially submerged or remain substantially flooded for weeks, far more elaborate remediation procedures are required.

Note: Do not try to remove black water yourself, it is extremely dangerous! Allowing black water to remain in an area will quickly make a bad situation worse. Stay out of contact with it and call Allied Restoration immediately!