Categories of a typical water damage

8/7/2013 (Permalink)

A water damage can originate from many different sources including a broken water pipe, or a severe storm. Once the damage occurs the type of water is then classified into three different categories.

Category 1 is generally considered clean water and does not pose a threat to humans. Examples of these are considered broken water pipes or overflowing sinks. Category 2 water is considered contaminated also called "gray" water. This category typically includes water from a toilet bowl with no feces, water coming in through hydrostatic pressure, or a sump pump failure. The last category is category 3 or "black" water. This is grossly contaiminted and poses a substantial threat to humans. This category includes sewage, water from rising rivers, any outside water source, or water containing heavy bacteria and fungi.