The Three Water Categories and What your Should Know

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

The water category will determine what type of contaminated water the flooding in your home contains

The Three Water Categories and What your Should Know

After flooding in your Commerce City, CO, home, you may be concerned about the possibility of contaminated water. A local water damage restoration service can help with repairs, but the methods they will use will depend on which category of water they are dealing with. Here’s what you should know.

1. White Water

White water is the first water category flooding can be categorized in. this water comes from a source that is uncontaminated and safe for consumption, such as a supply line. In most cases, as long as this type of flooding is cleaned up quickly there shouldn’t be any need for major concern.

2. Greywater

The second category contains lightly contaminated water and is often referred to as grey. This is water that has been used for things such as cooking or cleaning. Sources of greywater flooding often include flooded sink drains or pipes, or leaking appliances such as a washing machine. This type of flooding can cause minor irritation if it comes into contact with the skin, so safety gear should be worn.

3. Black Water

The third category is called black water. This is a term that is used any time there’s a chance that the water may have been contaminated by harmful chemicals or bacteria. In most cases, this is water that has come into contact with sewage material. Stormwater falls into this category because it is difficult to determine the path of flow. If the flooding is determined to fall into this third category then extra safety precautions may be taken during clean up, as well as additional cleaning steps to sanitize the area.

The water category will determine what type of contaminated water the flooding in your home contains. White water is considered safe for consumption where as grey water may have mild contaminants such as soap of food particles. Blackwater may have come in contact with sewage and may require additional cleaning steps during the restoration process.