Is Your Water Safe? The Three Categories that You Should Know

9/9/2019 (Permalink)

It's important to know if your water is safe

Water can carry many contaminants that be very harmful to your health. Water can be contaminated in all situations, from small leaks to large water damage such as storm. It's often overlooked by home and business owners and they opt to clean it themselves. Unfortunately some have become very sick as a result.

We want you to avoid this. So we are sharing the IICRC S500 Standard, called "The Three Categories of Water". This will help you determine whether the water spill, flood or damage is safe for you to clean.

Category 1: Clean (Clear) Water

This category is the cleanest of the three. Often it originates from the bath, sink or even falling rainwater. This is safe to clean and touch, in most cases. However it is important to know that some contaminants easily dilute into the water. So please consider the following:

1. The Origin of the Water: Where did it come from? Was this origin contained and without contaminations?
2. The Duration the Water Has Been There: Duration is very important. Stagnant water can become contaminated very quickly from external sources such as plants, dirt, air or animals. 

Category 2: Grey Water

Water that is grey in colour (and also various shades of brown) are considered to contain contamination of some degree. This water may potentially have germs that can cause sickness and we recommend you act with caution. Correctly cover your skin (it's a big absorber into the blood stream) or alternatively call an expert to assist you with the best approach. They may even have to remove it for you. 

Category 3: Black Water

We often are asked the question: "Is black water safe?" The short answer is: definitely not. Black water is extremely contaminated. Often as a result of faecal matter and sewage being throughout it. If consumed accidentally we recommend seeing a medical professional immediately. 

Black water often occurs from sewage or toilet blockage and back up, as well as flood water. In the instance of black water being present, please call an expert immediately and remove all occupants, humans and animals, immediately from the area.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to call us of 304-428-7378 and we will happily assist you.

Hope this helps,

from the team at SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie & Pleasants Counties.