This Is How Floodwaters Are Classified

2/25/2019 (Permalink)

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This Is How Floodwaters Are Classified | SERVPRO® of East Central Austin - SERVPRO of East Central Austin Blog

This Is How Floodwaters Are Classified | SERVPRO® of East Central Austin 

If you think all water that causes water damage is the same, think again as there are three classifications for it: clean, gray and black. By gaining a better understanding of the differences in these types of water, it will help you understand how to better handle a water damage situation.

No matter what type of water is involved in a water damage situation, there is always going to be a cleanup and restoration process that must follow. First, and most important, is to remove all of the moisture and damp items quickly to hinder any mold growth because this is an ideal environment for mold to flourish.

Clean Water

Much like the name states, this water is considered “clean” and not any kind of water that would pose an immediate health threat. It is free of contaminants and will be water from:

• Broken water lines
• Malfunctioning appliances
• Toilet holding tanks
• Snow melt and rainwater

The damage from clean water is the easiest type of water damage to work with since there will be fewer microbes living in the water. However, after 48 hours and following contact with the surfaces of a building, clean water can move up to category two, gray water.

Gray Water

With gray water, water damage cleanup and restoration can become a bit more serious. This is water that could create a health risk, because it may contain chemical or biological contamination. Because of the slight contamination in gray water, it would need to be thoroughly treated before being safe for consumption.

Gray water is water that comes from dishwashers, aquariums, showers, etc., and the 48-hour exposure time applies here as well, with gray water turning into black water if not treated.

Black Water

Black water is the most dangerous of the three classifications, and it is considered to be highly contaminated with harmful chemicals and biological matter. This would include floodwaters containing soil and all sewage waters.

Sewage is contaminated with microbes, including bacteria, protozoans, molds, fungi and more—many of which are harmful to humans and create a health hazard.

Some of the diseases that can be transmitted by black water are:

• Cholera
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis
• Gastroenteritis-type illnesses

A good rule is to remember that, when it comes to floods, all water involved should be assumed to be black water since it will have picked up contaminants along its path.

These three floodwater classifications are recognized by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Remediation Certification (IICRC), an organization that certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industry. Our technicians have all studied and familiarized themselves with the IICRC standards and best practices in water restoration and are available to help determine the steps to take to get your home back to normal.

It doesn’t matter what type of water has caused damage to your home or business, SERVPRO® of East Central Austin is here to help get the situation under control and make it "Like it never even happened." Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need emergency cleanup and restoration services!