What Is Black Water?

7/21/2019 (Permalink)

Floodwater is also a major source of black water

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) develops standards for the cleaning and restoration industry. If you experience a flood in your home, understanding the IICRC categories of water quality may be helpful:

• Clean water that causes water damage is unlikely to be contaminated. It can come from a faucet or appliance that overflows during a clean rinse cycle.
  
• Grey water is considered to harbor significant levels of bacteria and can come from sources such as appliances overflowing with dirty water or a leaking aquarium.
  
• Black water is a term used to describe dirty, toxic water that is highly likely to contain contaminates and be a threat to public health.

Where Does Unsafe Water Come From?

Whether you have experienced flooding on a large or small scale, you could have polluted water. Consider the source when determining how safe the water is to enter. Toxic water can occur in isolation, such as when a sewer backs up or a toilet overflows. Floodwater is also a major source of black water. If you have experienced water damage from this type of water in Guthrie, KY, it is best to consider the area contaminated and unsafe to enter. When possible, professionals should handle the cleanup and disinfection.

Why Is Floodwater Unsafe?

As water rises, it picks up everything along its path. Chemicals, trash, sewage and dead animals join the water along its journey. Even after the water recedes, chemicals, bacteria and other organisms remain. Areas damaged by this type of water require professional disinfection and removal of affected items.

How Can You Recover?

Recovering from exposure to contaminated water involves removing materials that have come into contact with it. All surfaces should be treated as if they are contaminated and are best removed by professionals. Any items left should be disinfected by a professional restoration company specializing in emergency restoration services.

Dealing with water damage in your home can be stressful. However, with patience and the right help, you can recover and restore your property to its pre-flood condition.