Contaminated Water Must Knows

5/30/2024 (Permalink)

Contaminated water requires professional attention to avoid serious illness that could be life threatening.

Water damage in your home or business caused by scenarios such as sewage back-up or toilet overflow are considered emergencies due to contaminated water that may be carrying bacteria, viruses, or harmful microbes. Contaminated water can cause serious illnesses, which is why it is important to understand what is considered contaminated water and how to go about fixing the damages caused by it. Contaminated water can be classified by three different categories, here is some information about each category.

Category 1:

Contaminated water in this category is typically from a clean source such as a broken water supply line or leaking faucet. But even though it comes from a “clean source”, if it is not taken care of in a quick and efficient manner, it can easily progress to a category 2 or 3 depending on the length of time, temperature, and contact with surrounding contaminants.

Category 2:

This category involves contaminated water that could cause discomfort or illness. Examples of this include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow containing urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow. Contaminated water in this category may contain bacteria and viruses and will progress to a category three if left untreated.

Category 3:

Water in this category is grossly contaminated and could cause severe illness or death if ingested and any contact should be avoided completely. Examples of this include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth. Contaminated water in this category may contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes.

If you experience water damage of any kind, especially from situations that could contain contaminated water, call SERVPRO® of Central Oklahoma City. We have the specialized training and equipment to quickly and safely remove contaminants and clean the affected areas. In the case of any water damage, we will inspect your home or business upon arrival to determine the best plan of action for the type of water encountered. SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City understands how important it is to restore your property after experiencing water damage and is available 24/7 for an immediate response.