3 Things You Should Know About Black Water

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

After a severe storm, you may have experienced damage from a flood. If this is the case, then the water that you are dealing with is different from what you may be used to. The following questions and answers may help you understand it a bit better.

1. What is Black Water?

There are three categories of water with increasing levels of contamination. Black water, or category 3, is the highest. This water contains significant amounts of harmful chemicals, bacteria, sewage and other contaminants. It can cause a lot of damage to your building and can be hazardous to the health of you and your workers as well.

2. Where Does It Come From?

Category 3 water most often comes from backed up sewage or flooding. Water damage that comes from above, such as with a broken pipe, leaks or rain, is often considered to be a Category 1 or clean water. When water rises up from the ground, it becomes contaminated as it mixes with sewage, dirt and other harmful substances.

3. Can You Clean It On Your Own?

While you may consider cleaning the water damage on your own, this is not recommended. Because this kind of water is highly contaminated, it can be unsafe for you to handle without proper training and safety gear. Instead, it is a good idea to hire a professional. If the area is not thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, it could create additional problems as well.

If you have water damage after a storm, whether it is from contaminated water or not, it is important to have it removed right away. Even water from a clean source can contribute to secondary damage like rotting building materials and mold growth. An emergency cleanup and restoration company will have the necessary equipment and experience to return your building to its previous condition quickly and safely. They can also sanitize and salvage many of your affected belongings.