Learn About The 3 Categories Of Water!

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

Most people think of water is either clean or dirty, but never think of the type of clean or dirty the water actually is.  The categories of water refer to the range of contamination in the water, considering both its origin and its quality after it contacts materials present on the job site.  Time and temperature can also affect the contaminants,also affecting its category.

Descriptions of Water Categories;

• Category 1- Category 1 water originates from a sanitary water source and does not pose substantial risk from dermal, ingestion, or inhalation exposure.  Examples of category 1 water can include but are not limited to; broken water supply lines, tub or sink overflows with no contaminants, appliance malfunctions, involving water-supply lines, melting ice or snow, falling rainwater, broken toilet tanks, or toilet bowls that do not contain contaminates or additives.
• Category 2- Category 2 water contains significant contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if contacted or consumed by humans.  This water can contain potentially unsafe levels of microorganisms or nutrients for microorganisms, as well as other organic or inorganic matter.  Examples of category 2 water can include, but are not limited to; discharge from dishwashers or washing machines, overflows from washing machines, overflows from toilet bowls on the room side of the trap with some urine but no feces, seepage due to hydrostatic pressure, broken aquariums, and punctured water beds.
• Category 3- Category 3 water is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic, or other harmful agents and can cause significant adverse reactions to humans if contacted or consumed.  Examples of category 3 water can include, but are not limited to; sewage, wast line backflows that originate from beyond the trap regardless of visible content or color, water resulting from flooding from seawater, rising water from rivers or streams, and other contaminated water entering or affecting the indoor environment, such as wind driven ran from hurricanes, tropical storms, or other weather related events if they carry trace levels of contaminants (e.g., pesticides or toxic organic substances).

Knowing that water has different categories may help you stay safe when a water loss happens in you home or place of business.

Please call SERVPRO of Rolla for all of your emergency service needs.  We are here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

(573)364-5555