Water Contamination Terms

1/3/2018 (Permalink)

Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that can cause health effects. Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination.

There are three major types of contaminated water.

Category 1: “Clean Water”

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet. If left untreated, category 1 water can quickly degrade into category 2 or 3 water depending upon such factors as time, temperature and contact with contaminants.

Category 2: “Gray Water”

This water has a significant level of contamination that could cause health effects if ingested. Sources for category 2 water may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.

Category 3: “Black Water”

This water is grossly unsanitary, can cause health effects, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

SERVPRO of Livonia will inspect the contaminated water to determine the type of water and then plan the appropriate response to safely restore your home or business.