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Water damage is broken down into three different category types. This page describes the different categories and how each are treated. A link to the IICRC's web site about water damage is included at the bottom of the page. Category Type I - "Clean" Water - a "clean" or portable water source is one that does not pose substantial harm to humans. Examples are broken water supply lines, tub or sink overflows with no contaminates, melting ice or snow, and falling rainwater. In most clean water cases both the carpet and pad can be restored with no need to replace. I left long enough, however, "clean" water can turn to "gray" water. Category Type II - "Gray" Water - This category of water type potentially contains some degree of contaminates that may cause sickness or discomfort if consumed by humans. The term "gray" water is a classification only and may not refer to the color of the water. Example include, but are not limited to: discharges from dishwashers and washing machines, toilet overflows with urine (not feces), broken aquariums, and punctured water bed mattresses. This type of water may contain algaecides and bio-contaminates (fungal, bacterial, viral, algae). Time and temperature accelerate the bioactivity of "gray" water significantly. Flooded "gray" water structures that remain untreated longer than 48 hours may change from "gray" water to "black" water. In cases of "gray" water, the pad or cushion must always be replaced. Category III - "Black" Water - This category of water type may contain pathogenic agents (capable of causing disease), which can adversely affect occupant health and workers. This includes all flooding from sea water, rising water from rivers and streams, ground surface water, and toilet back flows that originate from beyond the toilet trap. "Black" water may contain fecal contamination, pesticides, heavy metals, radioactive materials, or other organic substances. The term black water is a classification term only and may not refer to the color of the water. People with compromised immune systems, respiratory problems or allergies, or who are under 2 years of age or elderly must remain away from all work areas until the building has received a safe post-test clearance for occupancy in all "black" water cases. In the case where sewage back flows into buildings, the contaminated porous structural materials must be removed and disposed of. Carpet and pad must always be replaced. Click on the link below for more information from the IICRC's own website.
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