Understanding Flood Water Types

7/30/2022 (Permalink)

Identify your water type and talk to a water damage specialist to schedule proper removal.

Knowledge of Flood Water Types

Water can be a priceless resource for drinking and cleaning. But dirty water can be a major danger to your home. Be it from a flood, a backed-up supply line or even an overflowing toilet, contaminated water poses a major threat if it isn’t properly cleaned up. What are the three main types of water to look out for in your Stillwater, OK home? Read on for the answers.

Different Water Sources

Of course, all H2O is chemically the same. Differences come down to where it comes from and more specifically, what materials it may have encountered. The main three categories of flood water are:

• Clean water
• Gray water
• Black water

The latter two are forms of contaminated water that can be a major threat to your health.

Clean Water

When it comes to flooding, clean water is the least offensive type. This water typically comes from roof leaks, appliance malfunctions, tub overflows, or any other source that does not naturally involve human or animal waste. The main threat from this type of water is mold and mildew damage.

Gray Water

As its name suggests, this type of water falls in between good and bad. This is mildly soiled water due to its origin. It may be tainted by microorganisms, and typically comes from sump pump failures, toilets, or dishwashers. Gray water should be removed quickly to avoid progressing to the next level.

Black Water

By far the worst type of flood water to encounter, black water carries significant health hazards. Stemming largely from toilets, this water is pathogen-rich and often contains urine or feces. This water can carry hepatitis, cryptosporidiosis, gastroenteritis and more so it’s important it’s professionally removed, fast.

Understanding if contaminated water is causing your home damage is an important step in making a cleanup plan. Identify your water type and talk to a water damage specialist to schedule proper removal.