What is Black Water

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

If a flood comes to your California home you may wonder how safe it is to wade into the water. 

Water loss are classified into these three categories:

• Clean
• Gray
• Black

Each of these types of water carries different risks. Clean water is typically safe for human consumption. Gray water has been used since its last filtering but has not encountered contaminates.

The third categorization can be more concerning   to people and animals. Unless and until an authority declares the flood water as clean, you should assume it is black water. Learn precisely what that means below:

What Is It?

The classification of water as “black” means that it has come into contact with elements such as raw sewage. This rating means the water may contain all kinds of microbes.

Why Is Flood Water Classified This Way?

When water enters your home after heavy rains, it’s not just water from the sky. Water damage also comes from overflowing sewage. That sewage can mix with the rainwater and contaminate everything it touches.

What Should Homeowners Do?

If you have water in your home after a storm, do not wade into it unless doing so is necessary. It is also important to dry out the area as soon as possible. That water can spread disease and cause mold growth.

It’s essential to call the experts at SERVPRO of San Gabriel as quickly as possible after water damage or flooding occurs. 

626-478-0289