Information Homeowners Should Know

WATER DAMAGE - HOW TO CATEGORIZE A WATER LOSS

In a water loss situation it is critical to understand what kind of water you are working with.  The water that comes from a broken water line in the house and has affected a wall and carpet is different from water coming up from a drain in the floor.  If the water sits in the carpet for three days it may change from a category 1 to category 2 or 3. The risk of bio-hazards becomes part of the assessment process.  This assessment of water damage is critical for the home or business owner as well as the restoration professional.  The commonly termed categories for water damage have led to some misconceptions.

• Category 1 - Clean Water
• Category 2 - Gray Water
• Category 3 - Black Water

*One could assume that if the water is "clear" then it is safe. That is incorrect. If you see water that is coming up from the floor drain and it is clear don't necessarily think that water contaminated materials are thus safe for handling. The category definitions are more complex than we often think and this affects the decision process for everyone involved.

Category 1 Water – That which is clean at the releasing source and does not pose a hazard if consumed by humans. Category 1 water may become progressively contaminated as it mixes with soils on or within floor coverings or building assemblies (walls, decking, sub flooring). Time and temperature, which promote the growth and amplification of microorganisms in water can cause Category 1 water to degrade. Examples are burst water pipes, failed supply lines on appliances and vertically falling rainwater.

Category 2 Water – That which begins with some degree of contamination and could cause sickness or discomfort if consumed by humans. As with Category 1 water, time and temperature can cause Category 2 water to become progressively more contaminated.

Category 3 Water – That which is highly contaminated and could cause death or serious illness if consumed by humans. Examples: sewage, rising flood water from rivers and streams, ground surface water flowing horizontally into homes. There are two ways in which water enters a building as a result of wind storm damage: The first involves falling or windblown rainwater that enters as a result of damage to roof components or wall assemblies. The second involves horizontally traveling ground surface water (Category 3) 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 procedures usually are required.