4 Facts About Black Water

12/24/2019 (Permalink)

The most serious situation is Category 3 or black water

4 Facts About Black Water

If your business in Peoria, AZ, has experienced any flooding, you will need to assess the type of water damage that has occurred. Water that comes from a safe source such as an overflowing faucet is considered clean and is labeled Category 1. Water that may contain bacteria and comes from a known source such as a dishwasher or washing machine is considered Category 2. The most serious situation is Category 3 or black water.

1. It Can Potentially Cause Harm

Category 3 water contains certain chemicals, sewage, or microbes. If accidentally consumed this type of water can cause extreme harm or even death. Illnesses such as E-coli or campylobacteriosis can be spread through human waste. People may even experience respiratory effects if exposed to airborne endotoxins released by the bacteria.

2. It Can Come From Outside Your Business

While many people know that overflowing toilet water with feces is unsafe to come in contact with, water damage caused by outside sources such as an overflowing river or seawater is also considered Category 3. This is because there is a wide variety of harmful substances or chemicals from outdoors that can have dirtied the water.

3. Clean Water Can Turn Into Black Water

If your business experiences a flood but the water is only Category 1 or 2 water, you still need to act as quickly as possible. Depending on the situation, it can degrade into Category 3 in three days or less.

4. It Needs To Be Professionally Cleaned

You should never attempt to clean Category 3 water on your own. To ensure the area is completely sanitized and that no harm comes to anyone in the building, you should immediately get in contact with a water damage restoration company.
If your business is ever flooded due to a sewage backup or outside source, it is imperative that you act quickly. Never try to clean the black water yourself. Instead, evacuate the area and get professional assistance right away.